Kata
Kata can be defined as a set sequence of offensive and defensive moves against an imaginary opponent, designed to teach the student the skills needed for self defence.
Each kata has its' own character. Some kata are heavy and powerful whereas others are far more graceful and flowing in their nature.
The 26 officially recognised Shotokan kata are all individually named and given their own personality.
These are the kata required to attain 1st Dan (black belt).
- Taikyoku Shodan (Kihon Kata)
- Heian Shodan (peaceful mind, 1st level)
- Heian Nidan (peaceful mind, 2nd level)
- Heian Sandan (peaceful mind, 3rd level)
- Heian Yondan (peaceful mind, 4th level)
- Heian Godan (peaceful mind, 5th level)
- Tekki Shodan (iron horse, 1st level)
- Bassai Dai (to penetrate a fortress, big)
- Jion (love and goodness)
- Enpi (flying swallow)
- Kanku Dai (to view the sky, big)
On reaching 1st Dan, there is a choice of advanced kata to be learnt, to attain further Dan gradings.
- Tekki Nidan(iron horse, 2nd level)
- Tekki Sandan ((iron horse, 3rd level)
- Bassai Sho (to penetrate a fortress – small)
- Kanku Sho (to view the sky – small)
- Hangetsu (half moon)
- Goju Shi Ho Dai (54 steps – big)
- Goju Shi Ho Sho (54 steps – small)
- Jiin (love and shadow)
- Jitte (ten hands)
- Meikyo (bright mirror)
- Nijushiho (24 steps)
- Gankaku (crane on a rock)
- Sochin (strength and calm)
- Chinte (rare hand)
- Wankan (kings crown)
- Unsu (cloud hands)