Kata
Kata is a Japanese word meaning "form", "pattern", "model", or "mold". In karate terms, a kata is a prescribed sequence of techniques against imaginary opponents. These techniques vary widely depending on the particular kata being practiced, but may include elements such as blocks, punches, strikes, smashes, throws, joint manipulations, and kicks executed from a variety of different stances. All of these techniques are performed in a standardized order moving according to a set of predefined footwork.
Similar to the practice of kihon, the number of individual kata practiced and the manner in which they are performed varies widely from style to style. However, independent of the style one is practicing, it is often possible to classify the study of kata into one of two distinct approaches. One of these approaches treats the study of kata as a performance art while the other approach assumes that each of the movements catalogued in the kata has some application to a "real-world" situation. Like everything else, the approach, or combination of approaches is dependant on what the individual student wishes to gain from the practice of kata.
Shotokan Karate studies 26 Kata's which are listed below.
Kata |
Translation |
Video |
Heian Shodan |
Peaceful Mind 1 |
|
Heian Nidan |
Peaceful Mind 2 |
|
Heian Sandan |
Peaceful Mind 3 |
|
Heian Yondan |
Peaceful Mind 4 |
|
Heian Godan |
Peaceful Mind 5 |
|
Tekki Shodan |
Iron Horse No. 1 |
|
Tekki Nidan |
Iron Horse No. 2 |
|
Tekki Sandan |
Iron Horse No. 3 |
|
Kanku Dai |
To Look at the sky (major) |
|
Bassai Dai |
To penetrate a fortress (major) |
|
Enpi |
Flying swallow |
|
Jitte |
Ten hands |
|
Hangetsu |
Half Moon / Crescent Moon |
|
Jion |
Named after the Temple |
|
Bassai Sho |
To penetrate a fortress (minor) |
|
Kanku Sho |
Viewing the sky (minor) |
|
Jiin |
Named after the saint |
|
Meikyo |
Polished Mirror |
|
Nijushiho |
24 Steps |
|
Chinte |
Incredible / Strange hands |
|
Sochin |
Preserve the Peace |
|
Unsu |
Hands of a Cloud |
|
Wankan |
Crown of a King |
|
Gankaku |
Crane on a Rock |
|
Gojushiho Dai |
54 steps (major) |
|
Gojushiho Sho |
54 steps (minor) |
|
