Shorin & Shorei Kata

Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 core kata, categorized into 2 types ‘Shorin’ and‘Shorei’.  Shorin kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being flexible, soft and slow, with quick sharp movements.  Shorei kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being strong, solid, with solid movements, strong-hard foundation.

Shotokan Katas

Please note there are many katas that we will practice from time to time both Shotokan and other styles which allows for a greater appreciations of movement as well as application.  Listed below are katas used often in Grading curriculum and Tournaments and practised often at CSK.

Bunkai & Oyo

Bunkai (分解^?), literally meaning "analysis" or "disassembly", is a term used in Japanese martial arts referring to the application of fighting techniques extracted from the moves of a "form" (kata).

Bunkai is usually performed with a partner or a group of partners which execute predefined attacks, and the student performing the kata responds with defenses, counterattacks, or other actions, based on a part of the kata. This allows the student in the middle to understand what the movements in kata are meant to accomplish. It may also illustrate how to improve technique by adjusting distances, time moves properly, and adapt a technique depending on the size of an opponent.

Some kata have another layer of application that is taught using an Oyo, an "application of the kata in ways other than the standard bunkai."  Different practitioners will learn or discover alternative applications, but the bunkai, like the kata, varies based on the style and the teacher and Oyo typically reflects the entire kata.

A single kata may be broken into anywhere from a few to a few dozen applications, and the same sequence of kata moves may sometimes be interpreted in different ways resulting in several bunkai. Some martial arts require students to perform bunkai for promotion.

Bunkai can be obvious or elusive depending on the technique in question, the moves preceding and following it, and the individual practitioner. There are usually many stages of depth of comprehension of bunkai only reached through the passage of time. The terms toridai and himitsu are used to refer to techniques not readily seen to the casual observer and hidden techniques within kata.

SHOTOKAN KATA

Taikyoku Shodan 

The Taikyoku series is a series of kata in use in several types of karate. The name Taikyoku (太極) refers to the Chinese philosophical concept of Taiji. The Taikyoku kata were introduced by Gichin Funakoshi as a way to simplify the principles of the already simplified Pinan/Heian series. The embusen, or pattern of the kata's movements, are the same as in Heian shodan. Students of karate systems that use the Taikyoku kata series are often introduced to them first, as a preparation for the Pinan/Heian kata.

Heian Shodan  - Kata Reference

The word Heian is a mixture of the syllables for Heiwan and Antei - 'Peacefulness and Calmness'. The meaning of the Kata signifies a 'Peaceful Mind'. The original versions of the Kata were named Pinan however Funakoshi Sensei, during the creating of the style changed Chinese and Okinawan names to Japanese conveying his philosophical meanings.

This is the 'first step' or Shodan.

Heian Nidan - Kata Reference

Heian Nidan is the 'second step' of the five kata in the series. This is a Shitei Kata.

Heian Sandan - Kata Reference

The 'third step' of the five kata in the series. This is a Shitei Kata.

Heian Yondan - Kata Reference

The 'fourth step' of the five kata in the series. This is a Shitei Kata.

Heian Godan - Kata Reference

The 'fifth step' and final kata in the series. The karate-ka should now have developed enough basic ability within the techniques to be able to handle an average 'self defense' situation, hence the 'Peaceful mind'. This is a Shitei Kata.

Tekki Shodan - Kata Reference

The origins of this kata are Chinese. Known as Naihanchi in Okinawa. Funakoshi Sensei changed the name to Tekki signifying 'Iron Horseman' referring to the use of kibadachi to creating an 'iron' (strong) stance. The kata also develops the waist and torso area. This is a Shitei Kata.

Tekki Nidan - Kata Reference

The 'second step' of the three Tekki Kata. Emphasis is on the increased power within the Kiba dachi.

Tekki Sandan - Kata Reference

The final level of the three Tekki Kata. Emphasis is on arm speed and co-ordination as well as ever increasing strength within the torso and legs.

Bassai Dai - Kata Reference

Bassai means 'To penetrate a fortress' signifying the internal battle for control of the self. The kata switches from defense to offense quickly and gracefully, and the emphasis is on hip movements. The word Dai refers to 'large' or 'great' indicating the length of the kata and size of movement. Of the two Bassai Kata this is first and original version.

A Tokui Kata.

Bassai Sho - Reference Coming Soon

The shorter version of Bassai Dai utilising a similar embusen or performance line. The purpose as with Sochin is fighting against a stick or staff.

Kanku Dai - Kata Reference

Kanku means 'To view the sky'. The opening movement 'looking at the sky' symbolises the universe and the concept of ku or 'empty' showing the opponent that you bear no weapons (Also see Meikyo). It is a graceful and powerful kata that was the forerunner to the Heian Kata. Many of the Heian movements and foundations can be clearly seen.

A Tokui Kata for 2nd Kyu,1st Kyu and Shodan examinations.

It is also a Sentei Kata (mandatory -students choice) for Shodan,Nidan,Sandan,Yondan.

Kanku Sho - Reference Coming Soon

Sho signifies 'short', therefore this is the shorter version of Kanku Dai utilising a similar embusen or performance line. The kata, as was its predecessor, was passed from Kushanku.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Jion - Kata Reference

A Buddhist term for 'love' and 'good'. The Jion-Ji was a temple in China. This plus the posture of the hands in Yoi indicate the Chinese origins to the kata.

A Tokui Kata. It is also a Sentei Kata.   

Empi - Kata Reference

Empi means 'Flying Swallow'. The movements are light and darting, indicative of a swallow's defensive flight. An ancient kata known originally as Wanshu. A Tokui Kata.

Gankaku - Reference Coming Soon

Gankaku means 'Crane on a rock' and emulates the birds alleged weakness to its prey, which diversly is also its strong point. The kata uses the Tsuruashi dachi 'crane leg stance' or Sagiashi dachi as referred in other systems. The original kata was known as Chinto.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Jitte - Kata Reference

Jitte means 'Ten Hands'. It is a very powerful kata designed to give the strength of being able to fight ten opponents.

This is a Shitei Kata

Hangetsu - Reference Coming Soon

Hangetsu means 'Half moon' referring to the principle stance of the kata. The original name was Seisan. Emphasis is on correct use of breathing and focus. This is the Shotokan version of slow kata such as Sanchin.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Chinte - Kata Reference

Chinte means' extra-ordinary or rare hand'. The kata uses large circular movements which is contrary to the usual Shotokan method of utilising the shortest distance between points, hence its name.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Sochin - Reference Coming Soon

The word Sochin means 'strength and calmness'. The Fudo Dachi or Immovable Stance (Also called Sochin Dachi) gives the kata its name. The original kata was named Hakko. The purpose as with Bassai Sho is fighting against a stick or staff.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Nijushiho - Reference Coming Soon

Nijushiho means twenty-four steps, and was originally named Niseishi. The calm and long movements relate to waves breaking upon the cliff face.

Meikyo - Kata Reference

Meikyo means "Bright Mirror". The concepts Mizu no kokoro 'A mind like water' and Tsuki no kokoro a 'mind like the moon' can be evoked from the opening movements that seem to be the smoothing of water, making it calm as a mirror.

As Funakoshi Sensei's adage states, "As a mirror's polished surface reflects whatever stands before it, and so a quiet valley carries even small sounds, so must the student of karate render his mind free of emptiness and wickedness in an effort to react appropriately to whatever he may encounter. This is the meaning of Kara or empty in karate."

This kata has the Sankaku tobi, the 'triangular jump' at the end when correctly executed enables the karate-ka to turn disadvantage into advantage quickly and easily. This is the kata often performed by the masters.

Gojushiho Dai - Reference Coming Soon

Formerly named Hotaku due to the likeness of a woodpecker's action of tapping its beak against a tree. The kata's name means fifty four steps. One of the very advanced Shotokan Kata.

Gojushiho Sho

The shorter version of Gojushiho Dai. Also a very advanced kata.

Unsu

Unsu means "Cloud Hands", the opening technique symbolising the parting of the clouds with the hands. Funakoshi Sensei's calligraphy 'Hatsuun Jin Do' (Parting the clouds, seeking the way' may well have relevance to this movement. The kata seems to move from urgency to serene calmness.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Wankan - Kata Reference

A kata that many feel was not completed due to its very shortness. Wankan means 'King's Crown'.

This is a Shitei Kata.

Ji'in - Kata Reference

Jiin, as with the kata Jion, has the Chinese origin. The name is the Buddhist term evoking 'Love and Shadow' or possibly 'Temple Ground' referring to the Jion-Ji (Monastery).

This is a Shitei Kata.