Taikyoku
This is the most elementary kata practiced at IMA. Developed by Master Funakoshi’s son, Gigo, Taikyoku helps new students learn basic kata principles.
- 太極初段 Taikyoku Shodan – (first cause) –View on YouTube
Heian
Created relatively recently, the Heians were originally called Pinan from the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese word for safety. When introduced to Japan, Master Funakoshi opted to use the Japanese pronunciation Heian. Considered basic kata for beginning students.
- 平安初段 Heian Shodan – (peaceful mind, first level) – View on YouTube
- 平安二段 Heian Nidan – (peaceful mind, second level) – View on YouTube
- 平安三段 Heian Sandan – (peaceful mind, third level) – View on YouTube
- 平安四段 Heian Yondan – (peaceful mind, fourth level) – View on YouTube
- 平安五段 Heian Godan – (peaceful mind, fifth level) – View on YouTube
Tekki
Originally known in Okinawa as Naihanchi, the katas were renamed by Master Funakoshi upon its introduction to Japan to reflect the strength exhibited with kiba-dachi. Rich in fighting techniques, the Tekki family offers a plethora of close combat techniques.
- 鉄騎初段 Tekki Shodan – (iron horse riding, first level) – View on YouTube
- 鉄騎弐段 Tekki Nidan – (iron horse riding, second level) – View on YouTube
- 鉄騎参段 Tekki Sandan – (iron horse riding, third level) – View on YouTube
Advanced Katas
- Bassai Dai (to penetrate a fortress – big) – View on YouTube
The strong techniques of this kata emphasize hip movement. Some resemble a battering ram being used against fortress walls. - Bassai Sho (to penetrate a fortress – small) – View on YouTube
This kata was derived from Bassai-Dai. It has a similar performance line. - Kanku Dai (to view the sky – big) – View on YouTube
Most of the elements of the Heian Kata were derived from this kata. The first movement in this kata views the sky, which symbolizes the universe and shows your opponent that you are unarmed. It was Master Funakoshi’s preferred kata. - Kanku Sho (to view the sky – small) – View on YouTube
Kanku Sho was created from Kanku Dai. The movements and performance line are similar. - Hangetsu (half moon) – View on YouTube
This kata received its name from its principal stance, hangetsu dachi (half moon stance). - Goju Shi Ho Dai (fifty four steps – big) – View on YouTube
This kata is one of the most advance kata of Shotokan. Master Funakoshi called it hotaku (knocking of a woodpecker) because some of the techniques resemble a woodpecker tapping its beak against a tree. - Goju Shi Ho Sho (fifty four steps – small) – View on YouTube
This is a smaller version of Goju Shi Ho Dai. It is also one of the most advanced kata of Shotokan. - Enpi (flying swallow) – View on YouTube
The quick up and down movements of this kata are reminiscent of a fling swallow. Enpi is one of the oldest kata in Shotokan. Its former name was Wanshu. - Jion (love and goodness) – View on YouTube
Jion is a term in Buddhism. It is also the name of a temple in China. It uses basic stances and techniques. It is one of the most traditional kata in Shotokan. - Jiin (love and shadow) – View on YouTube
Jiin is another term in Buddhism. It has similar techniques and performance line as Jion. - Jitte (ten hands) – View on YouTube
The goal of this kata is to teach a student to fight against ten opponents. This is a strong kata, similar to jion and Jiin. - Meikyo (bright mirror) – View on YouTube
The first movements of this kata suggest the smoothing of water to make it as calm and even as a mirror. The triangle jump at the end of this kata is said to have a secret meaning portending to a miracle. - Niju Shi Ho (twenty-four steps) – View on YouTube
The movements in this kata resemble waves breaking on a cliff. The former name of this kata was ni sei shi. - Wankan (king and crown) – View on YouTube
Wankan is the shortest kata in Shotokan. - Gankaku (crane on a rock) – View on YouTube
The main stance in this kata (tsuruashi dachi) resembles a crane ready to strike at its prey. The movements are supposed to simulate a fight in the narrow alleyways of Okinawa. The former name of this kata was Chinto. - Sochin (strength and calm) – View on YouTube
The name of this kata comes from its stance (sochin dachi), a strong, rooted stance. The purpose of this kata is to teach defense against a stick. Its former name was Hakko. - Chinte (rare hand) – View on YouTube
Chinte has a lot of circular and roundhouse techniques. These are rare and are not typical of the shortest distance between two points concept of Shotokan. - Unsu (cloud hands) – View on YouTube
Unsu has several techniques that symbolize parting the clouds with open hands. It is also one of the most advanced kata of Shotokan.