KATA
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), although the word oyo (application) is also used. 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. In kata, the concept of zanshin becomes important. Zanshin means "remaining mind," referring to the idea that one must always be in a relaxed state of readiness, especially at the end of a kata to demonstrate one's awareness of any remaining potential danger. Only after the final bow is the kata truly finished. There are 26 (25 not including Jiin) kata in the Shotokan syllabus. These kata can be divided into several groupings:
ADVANCED
(Nakayama)
HEIAN
The five Heian kata (or Pinan in Okinawan) were developed by Gichin Funakoshi's teacher, Yasutsune Itosu, to facilitate the teaching of karate to large groups of students. The word Heian is a combination of the word heiwa, meaning "calm" or "peaceful," and the word antei, which means "easy" or "stable." Therefore, Heian could be translated as "Peace and Stability." Gichin Funakoshi uses the translation "Peaceful Mind" in his book Karate-Do Kyohan. Heian kata are taught to beginner and intermediate students. It is through practice of the Heian kata that the student learns the basic skills of karate.
It should be noted that, originally, Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan were taught in reverse order, with names reversed as well. Gichin Funakoshi switched their order to give a better indication of their respective difficulties.
TEKKI
Tekki (also Naihanchi or Naifanchi) is usually translated as "Iron Horseman." This is because, aside from crossing the feet in kosa position a few times, all movements in the three Tekki kata are performed in horse stance. The embusen for all Tekki kata is a lateral straight line (i.e. there are no forward or backward stepping motions). The idea when performing these kata is that you are defending against assailants with your back to a wall. The practice of Tekki is excellent for developing a strong horse stance, sharp hip vibration, and stealthy lateral movement. Sokon Matsumura is believed to have learned Tekki during his excursions to China. It was Yasutsune Itosu who modified and expanded this kata, creating Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan.
SENTEI
Sentei means "selection." The four "selection kata" exemplify Shotokan karate. They are very strong yet humble kata. Usually taught at the brown belt level, it is from these four kata that a 1st kyu brown belt must choose a tokui kata for their black belt exam. The tokui kata is the kata chosen as one's favorite or best kata. Also, all black belts are expected to know the four Sentei kata for tournament since these kata are used during the elimination rounds. Although the Sentei kata are taught after learning the Heian and Tekki kata, it should be understood that the former kata predate the latter. Heian kata were created after, in an effort to simplify the learning of the Sentei kata.
ADVANCED (Funakoshi)
Not really a separate grouping of kata, these three kata represent the more advanced kata taught by Gichin Funakoshi. These advanced kata, although not necessarily more difficult than other kata, require deeper understanding of breathing, muscle contraction/expansion, and timing. Although Funakoshi taught Taikyoku kata and Ten No Kata, he only taught 15 out of the standard 26 Shotokan kata taught today. These included the 5 Heian, 3 Tekki, 4 Sentei, and 3 advanced kata.
ADVANCED (Nakayama)
These nine kata were labeled as "Advanced Kata" in Masatoshi Nakayama's Best Karate series, still one of the most comprehensive resources in the study of JKA Shotokan kata. These kata require greater agility, as many of the movements are quite extravagant, requiring jumping, falling, high kicks, etc. Most of these kata were borrowed from other styles of karate and stem directly from the five animals of Shaolin kung fu. These kata tend to be more exciting, for the performer as well as the spectator, and are usually tournament favorites.
ADVANCED (Rare)
These two kata are also considered as advanced, with only one difference. These kata were the only kata never described in Nakayama's Best Karate series, which left these kata shrouded in mystery. In order to rectify this, the JKA has included Wankan in its newer series of kata books while Jiin has actually been removed from the JKA kata syllabus.
MODERN
These modern kata were created in the 30's by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo. They are the most basic kata, feeling more like kihon. They were made to simplify the teaching of karate to large groups of students. By today's standards they are considered overly simplified and most instructors view them as obsolete. However, although these kata do not form part of the 25 kata of JKA Shotokan karate, Taikyoku Shodan is a required kata for early kyu exams at several dojo, including the honbu dojo in Japan (as listed on the JKA website).
A kata summary is provided for each Shotokan kata. The following symbols are used:
*: kiai
/ : in between 2 techniques performed simultaneously
&: in between 2 techniques performed in succession but considered as only 1 count of the kata
( ): alternate technique names that are also commonly used appear in parentheses
1st: 1st kiai point
2nd: 2nd kiai point
#: total number of counts
Kata
Heian Shodan
Heian Nidan
Heian Sandan
Heian Yondan
Heian Godan
Tekki Shodan
Tekki Nidan
Tekki Sandan
Bassai Dai
Kanku Dai
Jion
Empi
Jitte
Gankaku
Hangetsu
Kanku Sho
Bassai Sho
Chinte
Nijushiho
Sochin
Unsu
Gojushiho Sho
Gojushiho Dai
Meikyo
Wankan
Jiin
1st
9
11
10
13
12
15
16
16
19
15
17
15
13
28
11
6
17
28
18
30
36
57
59
32
24
11
2nd
17
26
20
25
19
29
24
36
42
65
47
36
24
42
40
48
22
32
33
41
48
64
66
--
--
35
#
21
26
20
27
23
29
24
36
42
65
47
37
24
42
41
48
27
32
34
41
48
65
67
33
24
35
