It has been said many times before by a wide variety of people that kata is the root of all karate. This seems to be true as you may know from doing kata bunki (the application of kata). When different section of a kata are studied, a practical application should always be found. The thing with bunki in shotokan karate is that there isn't just one set application for each move or combination. Bunki is open to interpretation and the only limit it has is that of your own imagination.
As you may have noticed, none of the kata that we study have elaborate geri-waza (kicking techniques) within them. This is probably for the simple reason that originally karate did not have them.
A good kata is one that uses strong kime (focus), good timing, controlled complimentary breathing and, of course, a strong sense of zanshin (mental focus and awareness). There are 27 katas within the modern shotokan system. Below is a list of them followed by a brief description and suggested point to work on. Please bare in mind that the suggested point to work on is by no means the only point that needs a lot of work!
Kihon Kata - Literally means 'basic kata' and is the first kata that beginners encounter when learning karate. It teaches two techniques essential to all karate training - the gedan barai (lower sweeping block) and oi-zuki (stepping punch).
Point To Work On - Lack of proper preparation on the gedan barai technique makes the kata look weak. Make sure that you use a full preparation.
Heian Katas - If you have learnt Kanku Dai you will realise that many of the combinations within it are similar to those in the Heian katas. This is because the Pinan series (from which the Heian series came from) was devised by Sensei Itosu (instructor of Master Funakoshi) using Kanku Dai as a basis. The idea behind this was that each heian kata has something new to teach in an easy-to-manage size. Each kata builds upon the knowledge and moves learnt in the last meaning that beginners can learn the techniques in the kata and then use them in the rest of their karate.
Heian Shodan - The first of the heian series, heian shodan is very similar to kihon kata. Heian Shodan uses the age-uke, tetsui-uchi and shuto-uke in addition to the moves used in kihon kata.
Point To Work On - The last four blocks are often neglected compared to the rest of the kata. Make sure that you put as much effort into these as you do the other techniques.
Heian Nidan - Used when taking the 7th kyu grading in the
KUGB, Heian Nidan is the first kata to teach the simultaneous use
of uraken uchi and yoko geri keage (side snap kick).
Point To Work On - Make sure that when using uchi uke half way through the kata the hip pulls back the front foot as oppose to conciously pulling the foot back too far.
Heian Sandan - Th slow progressional introduction of new techniques within the heian series is accelerated here with a more complicated string of techniques travelling up the dojo. The first time we see hesa uchi (knee strike) in kata is here.
Point To Work On - Check that when you complete the last attack with kiai that you don't jump. The body should shift to the right by lifting the right leg and pushing with the left leg.
Heian Yondan - All katas learnt previous to Heian Yondan use only fast movements. Heian Yondan uses them in two situations. The first two movements take approximately four seconds to complete each and half way throught the kata kagi waki uke also makes use of a slower pace.
Point To Work On - Full preparation should be used on the morote uke (reinforced block) and at the end of this sequence when hands are extended infront of you they should be the width of a human head, not a gorilla head!
Heian Godan - The last heian kata, Heian Godan, introduces mikizuki geri (crescent kick). It is a popular choice for grading examiners to use as an extra kata to make sure you don't get certain parts confused with Bassai Dai.
Point To Work On - Care should be taken in making sure that the exponent does not bring their hand to their foot instead of foot to hand when doing the crescent kick.
Tekki Katas - The Tekki series all use kibadachi (horse-riding or iron horse stance) throughout. Originally all three katas started off as one. They were broken down later due to the length of Tekki kata and also as they each taught something new to eachother. If you know all three Tekkis then try and do them one after the other without coming up to yame after the end of each one. You will find that they join seamlessly.
Tekki Shodan - Tekki Shodan is the first of the tekki katas and is taught for people going for their 3rd kyu.
Point To Work On - When you twist your body make sure that your kibadachi doesn't collapse.
Tekki Nidan - This kata is an optional choice for taking the nidan grading.
Point To Work On - In the hesa uke, empi uchi combinations make sure that your leg comes straight up to the front. It is easy to accidently shorten this when under pressure.
Tekki Sandan - There are two differing versions of this kata, both coming from the same kata but using different arm movements in a number of points. If someone tells you that they know Tekki Sandan and then does something different from what you are used to they may be right as well! Tekki Sandan is characterised by a number of short, sharp arm movements.
Point To Work On - Make sure that the appropriate pausing points are adhered to. It is all too easy to rush through some parts of this kata.
Bassai Dai - Means 'To storm a fortress'. This name should be bared in mind when attempting the first move. A weak first move contradicts this and would not have any effect if used n bunki either.
Point To Work On - Make sure that you leave as little a gap as possible in between the mikizuki geri and empi uchi near the end of Bassai Dai. Also check that you are following the correct embusen (kata line) when moving round with shuto uchi before the final strike.
Bassai Sho - A kata that can be used to take the nidan grading with under the KUGB. Bassai Sho uses many open hand techniques. An example of this is the change of the characteristic kata move uraken uchi/keage to haito uchi (ridge-hand strike)/keage.
Point To Work On - Check that you are performing the ashi barai (foot sweep) properly. Also ensure that the dual punch following this has both arms straight.
Hangetsu - Is a shorei ryu kata (a kata emphasising strength and power). Breathing correctly is a key feature in feeling the proper strength of each move and performing it correctly. Hangetsu is performed mainly in hangetsu dachi but also uses kokutsu dachi(back stance) and the more unusual neko ashi dachi (cat stance).
Point To Work On - Make sure that your breathing compliments the move you are performing.
Empi - This kata is said to emulate 'the flight of a swallow' due to the up and down movement thoughout it. Standardisation has restricted this due to the height of kose dachi.
Point To Work On - Make sure that age zuki (rising punch) doesn't move further than it is supposed to. Imagine that you are punching to the neck and then hitting the head back rather than moving the fist from chudan to jodan.
Jion - The first kata from a group of three. This kata is said to be from the Jion temples.
Point To Work On - Make sure that you use your hips properly when doing the age uke/gyaku zuki combinations.
Jitte - Another first-second dan kata. Jitte includes a section used to defend against a bo (a six foot Japanese fighting staff), take it off your opponent and then use it against him.
Point To Work On - Don't forget that the last age uke block is supposed to be done with a sliding movement.
Jiin - The first movement of Jiin is similar to Jion however uses the similtaneous blocks using different arms. Jiin is a black belt kata that is used to take the 4th dan grading.
Point To Work On - Ensure that you are in sochin dachi when doing the combination starting with the double punch near the end of Jiin. When you step back after the mae geri the stance changes to zenkutsu dachi.
Kanku Dai - Means 'To view the sky'. Kanku Dai is a brown belt kata and is the longest of the twenty-seven that we practice today.
Point To Work On - During the first move ensure that your eyes only begin looking between your fingers when your hands reach head height.
Kanku Sho - The second of the Kanku katas, Kanku Sho can be used when going for the nidan grading under the KUGB. Only the people who have nerves of steel and are confident with aerial movements might want to attempt it though: it has two jumps in it!
Point To Work On - Plain and simply, the second jump. Check that you can repeatedly land well and in the right place.
Niju shiho - This kata means 'twenty-four moves'. You can work this out if you are able to count to ten in japanese. Ni=two, ju=ten and shi=4 thus two x ten + four = 24. Niju shiho is a black belt kata and is a very popular choice for taking second dan gradings with. This kata was used by Sensei Sean Roberts, 4th Dan, to win the KUGB National Championships in both 1997 and 1998.
Point To Work On - When doing the kekomi kicks from kiba dachi make sure you only pull back your fist as the kick extends fully, not pulling it when you start kicking.
Sochin - As suggested by the title of the kata, Sochin is predominantly performed in sochin dachi however kokutsu dachi is also used.
Point To Work On - The combination leading to the first kiai.
Chinte - As with a few of the other katas Chinte is of chinese origin. The kata name means 'incredible hands'.
Point To Work On - Make sure that the sochin dachi/zenkutsu dachi stance change is clearly visible and that whilstchanging stance you are able to always punch your fist into the palm of your hand and stop with proper kime (focus).
Gankaku - Literally means 'Crane On a Rock'. The name comes from the crane-like stance used within the kata as the karateka stands on one leg with the other instep resting behind the knee of the supporting leg.
Point To Work On - Balance when stood in the crane stance. This is especially so at the last point in this stance when a turn is required.
Unsu - Very popular for people doing competition finals. Unsu uses a lot of complex combinations and includes the most difficult jump out of all the ones used in all 27 katas.
Point To Work On - Once again the athletic jump is a key move to work on.
Meikyo - Also known as Rohai but the name people announce before performing it seems to change with fashion. Meikyo is one of two katas that has only one kiai point.
Point To Work On - Ensure that when you pull back your fists to your hips you pull them back as far as possible, opening up the body fully.
Wankan - Little is known about this, the shortest of the 27 kata. It has been suggested that half of it may have been lost in time. This could be the case when you consider how long it is and also the fact that only one kiai is used as opposed to the usual two.
Goju Shiho Sho - This kata name means '54 moves'. This is another popular kata for competition finals due to the interesting contrast of unusual moves and timing.
Point To Work On - Make sure that when you are doing the kiba dachi combination that uses punches that on each of the two punches the right (as in opposite to left) fist is used to punch and left hand to prepare.
Goju Shiho Dai - Similar to Goju Shiho Sho in many respects and as such is easy to get confused with if you don't practice them sufficiently.
Point To Work On - Don't get moves confused with Goju Shiho Sho!
FURTHER PAGES OF INTEREST
Shotokan Karate Katas (Under Construction)
Kata Analysis Website (Under Construction)
Kata Tips (Karate Tips)
