“Once a kata has been learned, it must be practiced repeatedly until it can be applied in an emergency, for knowledge of just the sequence of a form in Karate is useless.” – Gichin Funakoshi
Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) includes all of the traditional 26 Shotokan kata, and also currently includes four additional kata from other styles chosen by the late Kanazawa Soke to complement traditional Shotokan karate training. The four additional kata are Seipai (from Goju-ryu), Seienchin (from Shito-ryu), Gankaku-Sho (from Shorin-ryu) and Niju Hachi-Ho (from Tomari-te and White Crane style wushu). Some kata have been passed down from generation to generation, while others having been developed in more recent times. Kata when performed correctly require composure and exhibit strength and dignity and help with the development of fast reflexes and the ability to move quickly. All kata require rhythm and coordination. Training in kata is as much spiritual as it is physical. In the performance of kata, all karate-ka should demonstrate boldness and confidence, but also humility, thus integrating mind and body in a singular discipline.
The study, analysis and practical application of the movements in kata is referred to as bunkai. This allows the karate-ka to understand what the movements in kata are meant to accomplish. It also illustrates how to improve technique by adjusting distances, helps with the proper timing of technique, and adapt a technique depending on the size of an opponent.
KATA
Heian Shodan - Peaceful Mind One
Heian Shodan is the first of the Heian katas, and is the first kata a beginner to the SKIF system is taught, it introduces the Karate-ka to Age Uke (Rising block), Tetsui, (Hammer fist) and Shuto Uke (Knife hand block). This kata contains 21 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 9th kyu (white belt) and 8th kyu (yellow belt).
Heian Nidan - Peaceful Mind Two
Heian Nidan is the second of the five Heian katas. This is the first of the Heian katas to introduce kicking techniques, Yoko Geri Keage (Side snap kick) and Mae Geri (Front Kick). Several new hand techniques are also introduced, Uraken (Back fist), Nukite (Spear hand strike), Gyaku Zuki (Reverse punch), Gyaku Uchi Uke (Reverse inside block) and Morote Uchi Uke (Reinforced block). This kata contains 26 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 7th kyu (orange belt).
Heian Sandan - Peaceful Mind Three
Heian Sandan is the third of the five Heian katas. This kata introduces a stance known as Kiba Dachi (Horse riding stance). Other new hand techniques are also introduced. This kata contains 20 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 6th kyu (green belt).
Heian Yondan - Peaceful Mind Four
Heian Yondan is the fourth of five Heian katas, it is also longest of the Heian katas. As in the previous Heian katas several new techniques are introduced for the first time. This kata contains 27 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 5th kyu (blue belt).
Heian Godan - Peaceful Mind Five
Heian Godan is the fifth, and final Heian kata. The techniques in Heian Godan are of a more advanced nature in preparation for the brown and bleck belt kata. As with the previous Heian katas several new techniques are introduced to the Karate-ka for the first time. This kata contains 23 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 4th kyu (purple belt).
Tekki Shodan - Iron Horse One
Tekki Shodan is a powerful kata and is the first of the three Tekki katas. Tekki Shodan differentiates itself from the Heian katas by moving sideways along a single line (the embusen). Tekki Shodan is performed entirely in Kiba Dachi (Horse riding stance), therefore mastering this stance is vital. Tekki Shodan contains 29 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 3rd kyu (brown belt).
Bassai Dai - To Penetrate the Fortress
Bassai Dai is the first of two Bassai katas, "Dai" (major) and "Sho" (minor). The main focus of Bassai Dai is the idea of changing disadvantage into advantage. Bassai Dai is also one of the longest Shotokan katas, the kata contains 42 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to 2nd and 1st kyu.
Kanku Dai - Looking to the Sky
This is the first of two katas in the Kanku series. Kanku Dai is the longest kata in the Shotokan syllabus, it contains 65 movements. Kanku Dai was said to be Master Gichin Funakoshi's favourite kata. Many of its sequences can be found in the Heian katas, leading to speculation that it is the source of those katas. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Shodan.
Jion - Temple Sound
Jion is a strong kata and like Kanku Dai, it bears some similiarities to the Heian katas and may also have been one of the source katas. Jion, Ji’in, and Jitte are often grouped together. The reason for this is that Jion, Jitte, and Ji’in begin with the same characteristic kamae. This kata contains 47 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Shodan.
Enpi - Flying Swallow
Enpi is said to resemble the up and down pattern of a swallow in flight. It was originally called Wanshu but Master Funakoshi changed the name to Enpi when he moved to the Japanese mainland in the 1920s. Wanshu is one of the oldest Okinawan karate katas, dating back to the 17th century. This kata contains 39 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Shodan.
Jitte - Ten Hands
Jitte, Ji’in, and Jion are often grouped together. The reason is they all begin with the same characteristic kamae. Many of the applications for Jitte focus on defenses against Bo (Long Staff) attacks. This kata contains 24 movements. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Shodan.
Bassai Sho - To Penetrate the Fortress
The second the two katas in the Bassai series. Bassai Sho is similar to Bassai Dai in its embusen (line of movement of the kata) and style of movement. Bassai Sho portrays a more outward feeling of calmness, while still maintaining inner strength. Quite the opposite from Bassai Dai, which is noted for its visible display of outward strength and power. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Nidan.
Kanku Sho - Looking to the Sky
The second the two katas in the Kanku series. Kanku Sho is a very physically demanding kata with more advanced techniques that are more demanding in execution and timing than Kanku Dai. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Nidan.
Tekki Nidan - Iron Horse Two
Tekki Nidan is the second of the three Tekki katas. Similar to Tekki Shodan in many ways, the embusen (line of movement of the kata) is linear, moving side to side and performed in kiba dachi. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Nidan.
Gankaku - Crane on a Rock
Gankaku is one of the more difficult Shotokan katas to master. Gankaku's embusen is a straight line, moving forwards and backwards. In Shotokan Karate, there are not many kata in which you are expected to balance upon one leg, but Gankaku requires that you do throughout. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Nidan.
Hangetsu - Half Moon
Hangetsu is an advanced kata and also one of the oldest katas known to exist. Emphasis is on strong breathing and muscular contraction in the first part of the kata and is executed slowly, developing the hara (centre of gravity). Hangetsu is meditation in motion, with the aim of developing your ki (internal energy). The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Nidan.
Sōchin - Tranquil Force
Sōchin is a very strong and sturdy kata, commanding both physical strength and development of Ki. The kata relies heavily on the use of fudo dachi (rooted stance). When performing this kata, one must project an imposing presence. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Sandan.
Nijushiho - Twenty Four Steps
The flow of Nijushiho should be very smooth, and the karate-ka must make every effort to make the kata appear fluid and even. The embusen is fairly compact, not allowing for too many steps in any one direction, and changes in direction are made with very little motion. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Sandan.
Tekki Sandan - Iron Horse Three
The third and final kata in the Tekki series. It is a very quick kata, having a rapid timing with many consecutive techniques performed without pause. As with Tekki Shodan and Tekki Nidan the embusen is linear, moving side to side and performed in kiba dachi. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Sandan.
Chinte - Extraordinary Hands
Chinte is a very old kata originating from China. The ippon ken (one knuckle strike) and nihon nukite zuki (two finger spear hand strike) are unique and are not found in any other Shotokan kata. Chinte is a very complex kata and there is a lot to be learnt. It teaches fluidity and to adjust to your opponent rather than rigidly opposing them. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Sandan.
Ji'in - Temple Ground
Ji'in begins with the same characteristic kamae as Jion and Jitte. Ji'in contains many twists and turns that tax your centre of gravity therefore making it quite difficult to perform. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance to Sandan.
Meikyo - Polished Mirror
Meikyo is a humble kata and is a wonderful blend of the most basic techniques found within the Heian katas. By repeating many of the hand and foot movements on both the left and the right side Meikyo suggests a reflection of sorts. Meikyo has it's origins in Rohai, a Tomari-te kata.
Wankan - King's Crown
Wankan is the shortest kata found in the Shotokan syllabus and has it's origins in Tomari-te. It is a far more complex kata than it first appears to be, one of the main characteristics of this kata is that the hips are very low and very difficult to perform. Wankan is unique amongst all of the Shotokan katas in that it only has one kiai.
Unsu - Cloud Hands
Unsu is often thought of as the most advanced kata in the Shotokan syllabus. It has been said that the kata is supposed to symolise a thunderstorm, with the kata's techniques representing wind, lightning, tornadoes, etc. The first movements where the hands spread apart are clouds gathering on the horizon. The pointed finger strikes are lightning striking the ground. The wind blows everything to the four directions, North, East, South, and West - the four punch combination.
Gojushiho Dai - Fifty Four Steps
Gojushiho Dai is one of two katas in this series, the other being Gojushiho Sho. Both versions are highly advanced kata and quite long. The two Gojushiho kata are most likely two different variations of the same kata as the embusen of both Gojushiho Dai and Gojushiho Sho are nearly identical.
Gojushiho Sho - Fifty Four Steps
Gojushiho-Sho is the second kata in the Gojushiho series. It is a very advanced kata and takes a lot of work to master, but it is a very rewarding and powerful kata. Striking with the fingers is the norm for Gojushiho Sho so one must have an understanding of an opponent's vital areas.