Kata
Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks and throws.
Body movement in the various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration. It is for the individual karate-ka to practice full techniques, with every technique potentially a decisive blow, while paying particular attention to form and timing.
Shotokan karate is comprised of 26 kata, each with its own emphasis on fast and slow, or controlled and powerful, movement. Virtually all of the kata taught today have two kiai points. The kiai, or spirit cry, occurs only at certain pre-determined moments in each kata. It is precisely at these moments that the karate-ka is required to demonstrate a total commitment of body, mind and spirit.
As students rise through the kyu levels and dan ranks, the continued regular practice of all the previous kata they have been taught is vital to their future progress.
| Kata | Moves | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Heian Shodan | 21 | Peaceful Mind One |
| Heian Nidan | 26 | Peaceful Mind Two |
| Heian Sandan | 20 | Peaceful Mind Three |
| Heian Yondan | 27 | Peaceful Mind Four |
| Heian Godan | 23 | Peaceful Mind Five |
| Tekki Shodan | 23 | Iron Horse One |
| Tekki Nidan | 24 | Iron Horse Two |
| Tekki Sandan | 26 | Iron Horse Three |
| Bassai Dai | 42 | Penetrating the Fortress, Major |
| Kanku Dai | 65 | To Look at the Sky, Major |
| Empi | 37 | Flying Swallow |
| Jion | 47 | Temple of Jion |
| Jutte | 24 | Ten Hands |
| Hangetsu | 41 | Half Moon |
| Gankaku | 42 | Crane on the Rock |
| Bassai Sho | 27 | Penetrating the Fortress, Minor |
| Kanku Sho | 48 | To Look at the Sky, Minor |
| Nijushiho | 24 | 24 Steps |
| Chinte | 32 | Incredible Hands |
| Unsu | 48 | Cloud Hands |
| Sochin | 41 | Preserve Peace |
| Gojushiho Dai | 67 | 54 Steps, Major |
| Gojushiho Sho | 65 | 54 Steps, Minor |
| Meikyo | 33 | Mirror of the Soul |
| Wankan | 24 | Crown of a King |
| Jiin | 38 | Named after the Monk |
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