A kata is a prearranged series of kihon (basic techniques) designed around an imaginary confrontation with one or several opponents. During a kata the student visualizes the attack, and uses the moves of the kata to defend themselves with blocks, strikes, throws, and control techniques.
Taikyoku
For beginners, a somewhat simplified version of Heian Shodan was introduced, which is called Taikyoku Shodan. This is most often used for 9th Kyu gradings as a “stepping-stone” to Heian Shodan.
There are also Taikyoku Nidan and Taikyoku Sandan to learn, each involving similar patterns but somewhat more complex techniques than the previous.
Click here for a visual chart
Heian
The Heian Katas we know and practise today are as follows:
– Heian Shodan – Peaceful Way One – 21 moves – Kiai on 9 & 17 – View Video Here – Heian Nidan – Peaceful Way Two – 26 moves – Kiai on 11 & 26 – View Video Here – Heian Sandan – Peaceful Way Three – 20 moves – Kiai on 10 & 20 – View Video Here – Heian Yondan – Pieceful Way Four – 27 moves – Kiai on 13 & 25 – View Video Here – Heian Godan – Pieceful Way Five – 23 moves – Kiai on 12 & 19 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Heian Shodan | Heian Nidan | Heian Sandan | Heian Yondan | Heian Godan
Tekki
The Tekki Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Tekki Shodan – Iron Horse One – 29 moves – Kiai on 15 & 29 – View Video Here – Tekki Nidan – Iron Horse Two – 24 moves – Kiai on 16 & 24 –View Video Here – Tekki Sandan – Iron Horse Three – 36 moves – Kiai on 16 & 36 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Tekki Shodan | Tekki Nidan | Tekki Sandan
Bassai
The Bassai Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Bassai Dai – To Storm a Fortress – 42 moves – Kiai on 19 & 42 – View Video Here – Bassai Sho – To Penetrate a Fortress – 27 moves – Kiai on 17 & 25 – View Video HerClick below for visual chart
Kanku
The Kanku Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Kanku Dai – To View the Sky (dai=major) – 65 moves – Kiai on 15 & 64 – View Video Here – Kanku Sho – To View the Sky (sho=minor) – 47 moves – Kiai on 6 & 47 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Jion
The Jion Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Jion – Named after the Chinese temple – 47 moves – Kiai on 17 & 47 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Ji-In
The Ji-In Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Ji-In – Named after the saint – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Chinte
The Chinte Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Chinte -Incredible Hands – 33 moves – Kiai on 9 & 32 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Jitte
The Jitte Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Jitte – Ten Hands – 24 moves – Kiai on 13 & 24 –View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Empi
The Enpi Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Empi – Flying Swallow – 37 moves – Kiai on 15 & 36 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Hangetsu
The Hangetsu Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Hangetsu – Half Moon – 41 moves – Kiai on 11 & 40 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Sochin
The Sochin Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Sochin – Preserve Peace – 40 moves – Kiai on 28 & 40 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Unsu
The Unsu Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Unsu – Hands of a Cloud – 48 moves – Kiai on 36 & 48 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Nijushiho
The Nijushiho Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Nijushiho – 24 Steps – 33 moves – Kiai on 18 & 32 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Gojushiho
The Gojushiho Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Gojushiho Sho – 54 Steps – 65 moves – Kiai on 57 & 64 – View Video Here – Gojushiho Dai – 54 Steps – 62 moves – Kiai on 54 & 61 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Meikyo
The Gojushiho Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Meikyo – Mirror of the Soul – 33 moves – Kiai on 32 only – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Wankan
The Wankan Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Wankan – Crown of a king – 26 moves – Kiai on 16 only – View Video HereClick below for visual chart
Gankaku
The Gankaku Kata we know and practise today are as follows:
– Gankaku – Crane on a rock – 42 moves – Kiai on 28 & 42 – View Video HereClick below for visual chart