Kata

Kata

Tekki Shodan Kata

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks, and throws. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques—with every technique potentially a killing blow; while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm).
Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 katas, each with their own emphasis on fast and slow or controlled and powerfull movements. Virtually all of the katas taught today in the Shotokan system have two kiai points.
The kiai or "spirit cry" as it is sometimes referred to, occurs only at certain pre-determined moments in each kata. It is precisely at these pre-determined moments that the karate-ka is required to demonstrate a total commitment of body, mind, and spirit, and to channel all of their available energy and apply it appropriately to the required technique. The kiai is a common thread that runs through all major styles of karate.

It is important for every student to remember that as they rise up through the various kyu levels and Dan ranks, the continued regular practice of all of the previous katas that they have been taught is vital to their future progress.

The following is a list of all 26 katas, number of moves, meaning and a demonstration video.

Kata Video Moves Meaning
Heian Shodan 21 "Peacefull Mind One"
Heian Nidan 26 "Peacefull Mind Two"
Heian Sandan 20 "Peacefull Mind Three"
Heian Yondan 27 "Peacefull Mind Four"
Heian Godan 23 "Peacefull Mind Five Universe"
Tekki Shodan 23 "Iron Horse One"
Tekki Nidan 24 "Iron Horse Two"
Tekki Sandan 26 "Iron Horse Three"
Bassai Dai 42 "Penetrating the Fortress-Big"
Bassai Sho 27 "Penetrating the Fortress - Small"
Kanku Dai 65 "To look at the Sky - Big"
Kanku Sho 48 "To look at the Sky - Small"
Enpi 37 "Flying Swallow"
Jion 47 "Love (and) Goodness"
Gankaku 42 "Crane on the Rock"
Hangetsu 41 "Half Moon"
Jitte 24 "Ten Hands"
Chinte 32 "Incredible Hands"
Sochin 41 "Preserve Peace"
Meikyo 33 "Mirror of the soul"
Jiin 38 "Named after the Saint"
Gojushiho Dai 67 "54 Steps - Big"
Gojushiho Sho 65 "54 Steps - Small"
Nijushiho 24 "24 Steps"
Wankan 24 "Crown of a king"
Unsu 48 "Cloud Hands"