October 2025

Meikyo is most often translated as "Bright Mirror" or "Polished Mirror," perhaps alluding to the beginning of the kata, when the hands are held up in front of one's face as if looking into a mirror.

The kata also contains several duplicate, or "mirroring techniques," for example: the opposing directions of the two sets of gedan-barai and oi-zuki; the pair of bo-uke & bo-dori combinations; and the double ura-zuki, which is an example of two identical techniques performed at the same time (in essence, mirroring each other).

Meikyo is considered to be a highly advanced kata yet, for the most part, does not involve any effortful techniques. It has 33 counts and matches Wankan for having only one kiai (#32) instead of the normal two.

Most of the kata's movements consist of beginner and intermediate level techniques. The advanced sankaku-tobi, or "triangle jump," is the kata's trademark and is said to impart spectacular powers to those who understand its true meaning.

However, as jumps go in Shotokan, sankaku-tobi is arguably the easiest (not easy) jump to perform. The only other potentially difficult techniques include the odd angle of entry when executing the bo-uke, followed by the twisting of the hips for bo-dori-sonomama.

Being a more simple and humble kata, Meikyo is not a very popular tournament kata. The true goal of Meikyo lies in the correction of one's most basic techniques to the point of perfection, allowing for a smooth and effortless kata.

Often, Meikyo is favored by seasoned veterans of karate since it is not overly strenuous yet it still possesses enough advanced techniques to challenge older and higher level karateka. Meikyo is a kata of self-reflection and introspection, sometimes even being interpreted as meaning "Mirror to the Soul."

Nijushiho, or "24 Steps," is named after the number of foot movements, or "steps," present in the kata. It is an excellent kata for developing timing and rhythm. The sanchin-dachi (hour-glass stance, not very popular in Shotokan), the traditional haito (palm down), and the makiotoshi/teishi-awase-zuki combination (one of the "coolest" moves in kata) are all exclusive to Nijushiho and Unsu.

The hiji-ate at the beginning of the kata, the several awase-zuki, and the haishu techniques are all solely found in Nijushiho, bringing to light a variety of new applications involving arm-locks, chokes, etc.

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, giving this kata a fairly small frame.

The kata abounds with double-hand attacks and elbow strikes which are often used for close range fighting. All of this lends to the idea that the karateka must defend within a small space, quickly changing opponents.

The only long-range techniques found in Nijushiho are the two yoko-kekomi. However, these kicks are considered a recent innovation, previously being only knee lifts, and were most likely not present in the kata's original form.

Gankaku is one of the most graceful Shotokan kata. The kata is usually translated as "Crane on a Rock," referring to the crane stance (tsuru-dachi), when one must sink on one-leg as if a crane perched, ready to strike. The crane stance in Gankaku is performed in manji-kamae and is always followed by an uraken/yoko-keage (followed by a punch) combo.

Even though the kata has many fast and sharp attacks, it also exhibits several slow postures as well, lending a certain calmness to the kata, especially given the slow double-counts in tsuru-dachi. The embusen of this kata is a straight line (perpendicular to Tekki), characteristic of fighting in narrow passages or alleys (or even stairways).

Gankaku has several challenging forward spinning turns, unlike most kata which have reverse turning motions. Simply put, forward turns begin with a stepping forward motion in order to change direction while reverse turns begin with a backward stepping motion to change direction.

In addition to forward spinning and standing on one leg, the karateka must also be agile enough to execute a jumping double front kick. As can be seen, the practice of Gankaku helps to develop (and requires) excellent balance. The ability to pivot smoothly on one foot is also essential.

Other aspects of the kata are fairly simple, consisting mostly of 3 repeated techniques: kosa-uke, kakiwake-uke, and manji-uke. The kata has a total count of 42.

Sochin is most commonly interpreted as "Strength and Calm". Sochin is a very bold and sturdy kata, marked by a commanding physical and spiritual strength. This kata relies heavily on the use of fudo-dachi, or "immovable stance," to such a degree that the stance became nicknamed sochin-dachi.

Although not the flashiest of kata, it is one of the most popular among Shotokan enthusiasts, especially at tournaments. The kata contains several slow, powerful techniques that must be executed with unwavering confidence and with proper muscle contraction and expansion.

The student must project an imposing presence, instilling awe and trepidation in the enemy, allowing the karateka to utterly overwhelm the opponent with superior technique and an indomitable spirit.

Chinte, meaning "Unusual Hands" or "Incredible Hands," gets its name from the array of unique and rarely seen hand techniques found within the kata. Those techniques include: tate-zuki, nakadaka-ippon-ken, nihon-nukite, and hasami-zuki.

Uncommon techniques include gedan-mawashi-haito, found in both Gojushiho kata, and kentsui-tate-mawashi-uchi which occurs only in one other kata, Heian Shodan.

The three small hops at the end of the kata (yori-ashi) probably provide the most unusual aspect of this kata and seem radically different from all other Shotokan movements. Although seemingly very simple movements, they are extremely difficult for students to execute with grace and comfort.

Bunkai for these hopping movements range from simple retreating motions, to wrist locks, or even to a full nelson hold. Many argue that the hops were simply added later in order for the karateka to regain the starting point of the kata, especially for competition.

When practicing Chinte, one should feel like the waves of the sea, beginning in calmness, then ebbing and flowing with the changing winds to become a tempest, and finally, with the last three hops, to be as the receding tide after the storm, bringing everything back to tranquility.

Wankan, or "King's Crown," gets its name from the kata's first six moves, which are supposed to form the shape of a crown. When viewing this crown shape, one must appreciate that Wankan is the only Shotokan kata that begins diagonally.

Wankan is a very short kata having only 24 counts and only 1 kiai. Generally, the movements of Wankan do not pose too much difficulty for the practitioner. Moves four and five, although unusual, are not very taxing; in fact, they are even liberating because they are not confined by any stance.

The only potentially troublesome technique occurs during #13, when turning from zenkutsu-dachi into neko-ashi-dachi. Although, on the surface, it is a simple mawate (turn), it is quite difficult to perform koko-sukui/koko-tsukidashi quickly, with balance and power.

Unsu is truly a magnificent and extremely advanced form, requiring great speed and agility, but above all, explosive power.

Changes in timing are plentiful in this kata, and attacks are thrown to all three levels of the body: jodan, chudan, and gedan. Stances also vary from internal stances like neko-ashi-dachi and sanchin-dachi, to outer tension stances such as fudo-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi, and kiba-dachi.

At 48 movements, Unsu contains a treasure trove of advanced hand techniques including ippon-nukite, seiryuto, keito, haito, kensei, uke-zuki, and teisho.

Unsu's leg techniques, however, are far more interesting. Kicks found in this kata are executed in an unconventional manner, contrary to normal training practices. The two mawashi-geri are the only mawashi-geri found in any Shotokan kata, and they are made while lying down!

Since the karateka must literally fall down to perform these roundhouse kicks, the student must also have a basic understanding of breakfalling.

The third mae-geri is actually a mae-kekomi, a front kick with a thrust instead of a snap, whereby the heel is used rather than the ball of the foot. Mae-kekomi is rarely if ever practiced in Shotokan, except in this kata.

The mika-zuki-geri, although seen in several other kata, cannot be used to its full potential since it is performed completely in mid-air, with the ushiro-geri never really coming to fruition.

During this movement, the focus is more on the jump than on the kicks. This 360 jump is Unsu's hallmark and it is also probably the single most difficult technique in all of Shotokan kata.

The jump in Kanku Sho should be practiced diligently before any attempt is made to learn the Unsu jump. When done properly, the spinning jump is simply breathtaking, making Unsu a very popular tournament kata.

Here are the most common karate terms you might hear in the dojo.

1. Zenkutsu Dachi (Forward Stance) This stance involves stepping forward with one leg, keeping the other leg straight behind you. It’s essential for powerful techniques and forward movement.

2. Kiai (Spirit Shout) A loud shout made during an attack to enhance focus and energy. It’s a crucial element in performance during matches and demonstrations.

3. Geri (Kick) Refers to any kick in karate. There are various types of geri, including front kick (Mae Geri) and roundhouse kick (Mawashi Geri).

4. Uke (Block) This term describes defensive techniques designed to intercept or deflect an attack. Common types include Gedan Uke (downward block) and Jodan Uke (upper block).

5. Tsuki (Punch) Refers to any punching technique, with specific styles like Oi Tsuki (lunge punch) and Gyaku Tsuki (reverse punch).

6. Dojo (Training Hall) The training space where karate practice takes place. The dojo is considered a sacred space for training and learning.

7. Sensei (Teacher) A term used to address a teacher or instructor in karate, often respected for their knowledge and skill.

8. Kyu/Dan (Ranking) Karate ranks are categorized into kyu (for beginners and intermediate students) and dan (advanced ranks). Understanding these terms helps track your progress.