Each Kata comprises combinations of offensive and defensive moves against an imaginary opponent or opponents, all carried out in a strict geometric pattern. To master Kata it is not only necessary to know the moves, but also their application (Bunkai). They are perhaps the most important part of Shotokan Karate because they combine all aspects of the art. Through Kata, students will learn to link movements freely. They will learn to change pace fluidly from slow, deliberate movements to moves that are almost explosive, all the while maintaining a high degree of focus, balance and precision.

The formality of Shotokan is no more apparent than when Kata are being performed. Students will observe strict rules of etiquette, before, during and after the execution of the movements. They will bow, both before commencement and on completing the Kata. They will announce the name of the Kata to be performed to the Sensei. They will show their spirit and inner power by shouting (kiai) at precise stages of the Kata. They will hold the final position of the Kata until the Sensei instructs them to move. This all helps to preserve the tradition of the Kata, but perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates the students commitment and their respect for the origins of the art.

There follows a list of Kata with their respective meanings (where there are different translations I have listed them).


Kata Kihon (Taikyoku Shodan)

Kihon means basic, therefore this is the Basic Kata, or

First Cause

Heian Shodan

Peaceful Mind (First Level), or

Way of Peace (First Level)

Heian Nidan

Peaceful Mind (Second Level), or

Way of Peace (Second Level)

Heian Sandan

Peaceful Mind (Third Level), or

Way of Peace (Third Level)

Heian Yondan

Peaceful Mind (Fourth Level), or

Way of Peace (Fourth Level)

Heian Godan

Peaceful Mind (Fifth Level), or

Way of Peace (Fifth Level)

Tekki Shodan

Horse Riding (First Level), or

Iron Horse (First Level)

Tekki Nidan

Horse Riding (Second Level), or

Iron Horse (Second Level)

Tekki Sandan

Horse Riding (Third Level), or

Iron Horse (Third Level)

Bassai Dai

Penetrate a Fortress (Major), or

Storm a Fortress (Major)

Bassai Sho

Penetrate a Fortress (Minor), or

Storm a Fortress (Minor)

Kanku Dai

Viewing the Sky (Major), or

Watch the Sky (Major)

Kanku Sho

Viewing the Sky (Minor), or

Watch the Sky (Minor)

Hangetsu

Half Moon

Empi(Enpi)

Flying Swallow

Gankaku

Crane on a Rock

Jitte

Ten Hands

Jion

Named after the Temple Jion

Ji'in

Named after Saint Ji'in, or

Temple Grounds

Chinte

Chinese Hands, or

Strange Hands, or

Incredible Hands

Meikyo

Polished Mirror, or

Mirror of the Soul, or

Cleaning a Mirror

Nijushiho

Twenty Four Steps, or

Twenty Four Techniques

Sochin

Immovable in the Face of Danger, or

Old Man Fighting, or

Preserve the Peace

Wankan

King's Crown, or

Crown of a King

Unsu

Hands in the Cloud, or

Separating the Clouds

Gojushiho Dai

Fifty Four Steps (Major), or

Fifty Four Techniques (Major)

Gojushiho Sho

Fifty Four Steps (Minor), or

Fifty Four Techniques (Minor)