Kata
The 10 Elements of Kata
YOI NO KISIN - The Spirit of getting ready. The concentration of will & mind against the opponent as a preliminary to the movements of the kata.
INYO - The active & passive. Always keep in mind both attack & defence.
CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU - The Force (Strong/Weak) of the power. The power of a technique derives from the proper balance between strenght & relaxation.
WAZA NO KANKYU - The Tempo (Slow/Fast) of the techniques. The tempo of the kata varies, Some techniques are preformed quickly, some preformed slow.
TAI NO SHINSUKU - The degree of contraction or expansion. The degree of contraction or expansion of the body in each movement & position of the kata.
KOKYU - Breathing. Breath control related to the posture & movement of the kata.
TYAKUGAN - The Aiming Points. In kata you must keep the purpose of movement in mind.
KIAI - Shouting. Shouting at set points in the kata to demonstrate martial spirit.
KEITAI NO HOJI - Correct Positioning. Correct positioning in movement & stance.
ZANSHIN - Remaining On Guard. Remaining on guard at the completion of the kata.
Shotokan Katas
Kihon Kata (Basic Form)
- Heian Shodan (Peaceful Mind)
- Heian Nidan (Peaceful Mind)
- Heian Sandan (Peaceful Mind)
- Heian Yondan (Peaceful Mind)
- Heian Godan (Peaceful Mind)
- Tekki Shodan (Horse Riding or Iron horse)
- Tekki Nidan (Horse Riding or Iron horse)
- Tekki Sandan (Horse Riding or Iron horse)
- Bassai Dai (Bassai – To penetrate a fortress. Dai – big/large)
- Bassai Sho (Bassai – To penetrate a fortress. Sho – small)
- Kanku Dai (Kanku – To look at the sky. Dai – big/large)
- Kanku Sho (Kanku – To look at the sky. Sho – small)
- Jion (Named for either the famous Buddhist temple Jion-ji or the Buddhist saint Jion)
- Jitte (Jutte) (Ten hands)
- Enpi (Flying swallow)
- Gankaku (Crane on a rock)
- Hangetsu (Half moon)
- Sochin (Energetic calm)
- Nijushiho (Twenty four steps)
- Meikyo (Bright/Polished mirror or Mirror of the Soul)
- Ji'in (Temple grounds)
- Chinte (Incredible hands)
- Unsu (Hand in the clouds)
- Wankan (King’s crown)
- Gojushiho Dai (Fifty four steps – big/large)
- Gojushiho Sho (Fifty four steps - small)