Description
Kata are the pre-arranged sets of movements in which the karateka defends against several imaginary attackers. Each movement of a kata represents a self-defense technique against a potential opponent. These self-defense "applications" are traditionally called bunkai (analysis). All kata have an embusen, or performance line. This is the path of the kata, or rather, its floor plan. The movements of a given kata must always be performed in the correct order, and the kata must always start and finish on the same spot.
Kata is one of the earliest forms of karate training. It is how karate passed from one generation to the next. Kata are very dynamic, teaching the student how to move in all directions, sometimes jumping, sometimes dropping. Kata can be quite diverse. Some kata are very strong and sturdy in nature, while others require great speed and agility. Certain techniques are performed slowly and powerfully, while others are executed more sharply and quickly. By practicing kata, the students learn rhythm and timing, expansion and contraction of the body's muscles, and proper breathing. Above all, an individual's performance in kata must exude confidence while maintaining the kata's humble nature.
Shotokan Katas
| Kata Name | Meaning | Kata Group | Move Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taikyoku Sho-dan | First cause - first level | Modern | 20 |
| Taikyoku Ni-dan | First cause - second level | Modern | 20 |
| Heian Sho-dan | Peaceful mind - first level | Heian | 21 |
| Heian Ni-dan | Peaceful mind - second level | Heian | 26 |
| Heian San-dan | Peaceful mind - third level | Heian | 20 |
| Heian Yon-dan | Peaceful mind - fourth level | Heian | 27 |
| Heian Go-dan | Peaceful mind - fith level | Heian | 23 |
| Tekki Sho-dan | Iron horse - first level | Tekki | 29 |
| Tekki Ni-dan | Iron horse - second level | Tekki | 24 |
| Tekki San-dan | Iron horse - third level | Tekki | 36 |
| Bassai-dai | To penetrate the fortress - big | Sentei | 42 |
| Kanku-dai | To look at the sky - big | Sentei | 65 |
| Jion | The temple | Sentei | 47 |
| Empi | Flying swallow | Sentei | 37 |
| Gankaku | Crane on a rock | Advanced (Funakoshi) | 42 |
| Hangetsu | Half moon | Advanced (Funakoshi) | 41 |
| Jitte | Ten hands | Advanced (Funakoshi) | 24 |
| Bassai-sho | To penetrate the fortress - small | Advanced (Nakayama) | 27 |
| Kanku-sho | To look at the sky - small | Advanced (Nakayama) | 48 |
| Chinte | Incredible hands | Advanced (Nakayama) | 32 |
| Nijushiho | 24 Steps | Advanced (Nakayama) | 34 |
| Sochin | Preserve peace | Advanced (Nakayama) | 41 |
| Unsu | Hand of a cloud | Advanced (Nakayama) | 48 |
| Gojushiho-sho | 54 Steps - small | Advanced (Nakayama) | 65 |
| jGojushiho-dai | 54 Steps - big | Advanced (Nakayama) | 67 |
| Meikyo | Mirror of the soul | Advanced (Nakayama) | 33 |
| Wankan | Crown of a king | Advanced (Rare) | 24 |
| Jiin | The saint | Advanced (Rare) | 35 |
Bunkai
Break down
Bunkai in the Japanese language is made up of two charters. The first character is Bun and the second is Kai. Bunkai means to “break down” [bun] and “solve” [kai]. So, Kata Bunkai means to break down the movements of the Kata and study its practical applications. Bunkai is a very popular discussion topic amongst martial artists today as it can be very subjective, and each marital artist may make a different interpretation of its meaning and thus how it would be used in a real life scenario or demonstration. After a few years of training, most Karate students will know several Katas. However, there is a world of difference between being able to perform the movements of the Kata, and truly understanding the meaning and interpretation behind the technique. Kata without the knowledge of bunkai has no fight at all. Only through a proper study of bunkai under supervision can Kata actually be used for self-dense. When you begin to study bunkai, you will see applications everywhere. Consistent and rigorous training is required to achieve and execute high level bunkai applications.
The traditional practice had been to learn the Kata and when it was of a sufficient standard (and the student had gained the master’s trust) the applications would be taught. However, it now became the norm to teach the Kata for its own sake and the applications might never be taught (as is sadly still the case in the majority of Karate schools today).