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Heian
Nidan |
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Heian
Sandan |
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Heian
Yodan |
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Heian
Godan |
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Tekki
Shodan |
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Tekki
Nidan |
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Tekki
Sandan |
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Bassai
Dai |
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Bassai
Sho |
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Kanku
Dai |
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Kanku
Sho |
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Gojushiho
Dai |
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Gojushiho
Sho |
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Chinte |
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Sochin |
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Jion |
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Empi |
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Gankaku |
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Jitte |
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Hangetsu |
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Niju
Shiho |
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Unsu |
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Wankan |
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Meikyo |
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Jiin |
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Master
Funakoshi |
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Master
Funakoshi |
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THE KATAS OF SHOTOKAN
KARATE-DO
-
- Enough for a lifetime
- Below you will find a list of all
of the katas taught in the modern Shotokan Karate system, as well as photographs
of all their respective movements.
-
- I have made a point of specifying
the exact location of the various "kiai points"
that are to be found in each kata, some of the techniques that are introduced
for the first time in each particular kata, as well as the allowable time
in which each kata should be performed.
-
- It is important for every student
to remember, that as they rise up through the various Kyu levels and Dan ranks,
the continued, regular practice, of all of the previous katas that they have
been taught, is vital to their future progress.
-
- Kiai points
- Virtually all of the katas taught
today in the Shotokan system have at least two kiai points.
-
- There are, however, exceptions to
this rule, an example being the kata "Wankan" which has only one kiai point. It must be noted that the number
of kiai points contained in each kata
should in no way be used as a means of evaluating the importance, or the dificulty,
of each individual kata.
-
- The kiai or "spirit cry" as it is sometimes referred to, occurs only at
certain pre-determined moments in each kata. It is precisely at these pre-determined
moments that the karate-ka is required to demonstrate a total commitment of
body, mind, and spirit, and to channel all of their available energy, and
apply it appropriately, to the required technique. The kiai is a common thread that runs through
all major styles of karate.
-
- Progressive layering
- Knowledge in all things
is cumlative.
-
- We have all heard
the expression "you must learn to walk, before you can learn to run".
-
- As with most tasks
in life, learning to walk, and then to run, not only takes a certain amount
of time, it also takes the repeated, and more importantly, the successful
practice of certain basic skills, all of which must be learnt in a very specific
order if the desired outcome is to be acheived within a reasonable amount
of time.
-
- The art of Shotokan
karate is no different.
-
- One of the most important
ways in which a students skills and progress are measured within the Shotokan
system, is through the quality of their kata. These katas are considered
the "soul" of the Shotokan karate
system, and they should be taught to each student in a very specific, pre-determined
order, that is based not only upon the complexity of each individual kata,
but also on the previous experience, and current technical ability of each
individual student.
-
- This is a process
that I refer to as "progressive layering".
-
- It is precisely because
of the fact that knowledge is cumlative that this "progressive layering" process should be strictly adhered to
and not circumvented. For example, if a student were to make a habit of trying
to learn katas that are well above their current level of personal developement,
then all of the movements, and techniques, contained in each of the katas
that they have omitted learning, would not be imbedded into the memory cells
of their body, or their mind.
-
- Consequently the over
all quality of the kata they were attempting to learn would suffer greatly.
-
- To develop a true
understanding of all that the art of Shotokan karate has to offer, you must
progess in a linear fashion, taking all that you have learnt to date, and
applying it to what comes next. Those students who jump ahead thinking that
knowing a "higher kata" makes them a better karate-ka, are kidding
no one but themselves. In fact most often, quite the opposite will occur.
It is, therefore, imperative that students accept the fact very early on in
their karate training, that all the katas must be learnt in a specific order,
and that this is by design, for each kata is in fact the building block for
the kata to follow.
-
- In this fast paced,
fast food, I want it now environment that most North Americans are use to,
kata may seem out of place. Yet I assure you it is not, but it is only after
many years of hard work and dedication that the true value of any kata will
ever be reveled to those who truly seek it.
-
- Remember, just knowing
the "embusen", or pattern of a specific
kata, making fierce faces, a loud kiai, and strong movements,
is not an indication of "knowing" the kata, let alone understanding
it.
-
- Only time can do that,
and only for those who spend their time well.
-
- My thanks go to two
individuals for their kind generosity in allowing me to copy images from their
own personal web sites.
-
- They are Shihan John
Ang, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor of The Australian Ninjukai Association, for
allowing me to copy the images
of the various coloured belts from his web site, and
Shihan Scot Mertz, Chief Instructor of the World
Shotokai Federation, for allowing me to transfer all the photographs of the
various Shotokan katas and embusen from his web site. You will find a direct
link to each of their respective organizations listed in my Karate Links section.
-
- Remember:
- Learning the pattern
of all twenty-six katas found in the Shotokan system is one thing,
- truly understanding
them, however, is a process that will take you an entire lifetime.
-
-
- THE REQUIRED GRADINGS
KATAS OF THE
- FUNAKOSHI SHOTOKAN
KARATE ASSOCIATION (FSKA)
-
-
- The following Shotokan katas are presented
in the order in which they are taught at our dojo and as specified by Shihan
Kenneth Funakoshi, 9th Dan, (FSKA) Chief Instructor, of the Funakoshi Shotokan
Karate Association. While Taikyoku Ni Dan and
Taikyoku San Dan are not a required part of Shihan Funakoshi's
curiculum, I have listed them here as a point of interest, since all three
of the Taikyoku katas can be found referrenced in Karate-Do
Kyohan, by Gichin Funakoshi, Sensei.
-
- TAIKYOKU SHO DAN
- "First Cause"
- The first of three kata in the
Taikyoku series, Taikyoku Sho Dan is the most basic kata taught
in the Shotokan syllabus. This kata is used primarily to teach beginners
some of the fundamental aspects of kata. Due to it's similarity to a kata
found in the next series, called Heian Sho Dan, many Shotokan dojos today do
not even bother teaching this kata to their students. Personally I consider
this to be a good kata to learn first, since this kata permits the beginner
to develop a basic understanding of kata, while only having to concentrate
on learning one basic stance, zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), and two basic hand techniques,
chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch), and
gedan-barai (lower level down block). Only
after having first trained for some time in this kata should the student
then move on and learn the more complex hand techniques, stances, and
combination movements, that will be taught in the up coming Heian series of katas. It has been
said, that after many decades of training, when a student has finally
become proficient in all of the katas found within the Shotokan karate
system, they should return to this kata and, in the words of Gichin Funakoshi
Sensei, use it "as the ultimate training kata".
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points found in
Taikyoku Sho Dan, the first one occurs on the last chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs on the last chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the bottom
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack). This kata contains
20 movements and should take the student approximately 35 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and then your right foot half way
in towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 10th kyu (white belt) to 9th kyu (yellow belt).
-
- TAIKYOKU NI DAN
- "Second Cause"
- The second of three kata in the
Taikyoku series, Taikyoku Ni Dan
is also another of the most basic katas
taught in the Shotokan syllabus. Taikyoku Ni Dan also used primarily to teach beginners
the most fundamental aspects of kata. Once again due to it's similarity
to a kata found in the next series, called Heian Sho Dan, many Shotokan dojos today do
not even bother teaching this kata to their students. Personally, as with
Taikyoku Sho Dan, I consider this to be a good kata for
beginners to learn. Taikyoku Ni Dan in particular is used to introduce
students for the first time a new hand technique, jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch), while
still retaining the zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), and the gedan-barai (lower level down block) they
were taught in the previous kata. Only after having first trained for
some time in both Taikyoku Sho Dan and Taikyoku Ni Dan
will a student then be ready to move on
and learn the more complex hand techniques, stances, and combination movements,
that will be taught in the up coming Heian series of katas.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points found in
Taikyoku Ni Dan, the first one occurs on the last jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch) at the top
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs on the last jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch) at the bottom
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack). This kata contains
20 movements and should take the student approximately 35 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot, stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot, and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 10th kyu (white belt) to 9th kyu (yellow belt).
-
- TAIKYOKU SAN DAN - "Third Cause"
- The third kata in the Taikyoku series, and the last of the most
basic katas taught in the Shotokan syllabus, Taikyoku San Dan is also used primarily to teach
beginners the most fundamental aspects of kata. Once again due to this
kata's similarity to the katas taught in the Heian series many dojos today do not
even bother teaching this kata to their new students. Once again I reiterate,
that as with the two previous Taikyoku katas, I consider this to be another
good kata for beginners to learn. Taikyoku San Dan in particular is used to introduce
the beginner for the first time to a new hand technique, chudan-uchi-uke (inside outward block), and to
a new basic stance, kokutsu-dachi (back stance), while at the same
time maintaining the jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch), gedan-barai (lower level down block) and
zenkutsu-dachi (front stance) found in the previous
two katas. Only after having first trained for some time in both Taikyoku Sho Dan, Taikyoku Ni Dan, and Taikyoku San Dan will a student then be ready to move on
and learn the more complex hand techniques, stances, and combination movements,
that will be taught in the up coming Heian series of katas.
-
-
- There are two kiai points found in
Taikyoku San Dan, the first one occurs on the last jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch) at the top
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs on the last jodan-oi-zuki (upper level lunge punch) at the bottom
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack). This kata contains
20 movements and should take the student approximately 35 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot, stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 10th kyu (white belt) to 9th kyu (yellow belt).
-
-
-
HEIAN SHO DAN
- "Peaceful Mind Number One"
- This is the first of the katas
taught in the Heian series, which is a series consisting
of five different katas. This series of katas was originally known by
it's Okinawan name Pinan and was originally
created by the great Okinawan master Itosu Anko Sensei (1831 - 1915) in
order to teach the art of karate to children in the Okinawan school system.
Prior to the creation of this series of katas most new students were first
taught the three Naihanchi or Tekki katas,
however, Itosu Sensei felt that these katas were to difficult for school
age children, and so he created the Pinan series as an alternative form
of training. It is widely held that Itosu Sensei created this series from
the more advanced kata Kanku Sho,
however, it is also believed that a much older root kata known as Channan was also used as source material
for many of the Pinan/Heian katas. It is interesting to note
that this kata was originally taught by the Okinawan's as the second kata
in the Pinan series but that Gichin Funakoshi
Sensei, the "Founder of Shotokan Karate" reversed the order
of Pinan Sho Dan and Pinan Ni Dan when he first introduced karate to Japan,
as he felt that Pinan Ni Dan was a much more complex kata,
and should, therefore, be taught as the second kata. It was also at this
time that Gichin Funakoshi Sensei, changed the name of this particular
series of katas from the Okinawan pronunciation
of Pinan to the Japanese pronunciation
of Heian or "Peaceful
Mind", perhaps in order to have these
katas more readily accepted by Japanese society. This kata introduces
the student for the first time to several new hand techniques, such as
jodan-age-uke (upper level rising block), jodan-tetsui-zuki, (upper level hammer fist strike),
shuto-uke, (sword hand block), and shuto-zuki, (sword hand strike), as well
as the concept of tai-sabaki (body shifting).
-
-
- There are two kiai points found in
Heian Sho Dan, the first one occurs on the last jodan-age-uke (upper level rising block) at the top
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs on the last chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the bottom
of the " I " of the embusen (line of attack). This kata contains
21 movements and should take the student approximately 40 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot, stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is also a required
kata for advancing from 10th kyu (white belt) to 9th kyu (yellow belt).
-
-
-
HEIAN NIDAN
- "Peaceful Mind Number
Two"
- The second kata in the Heian series, this kata requires the
student for the first time to include a kick in their kata. In this instance
there are two of them, a chudan-yoko-geri-keage (middle level side snapping kick),
and a chudan-mae-geri-keage (middle level front snapping
kick). In addition, several new hand techniques are also introduced for
the first time. They are chudan-uraken (middle level back fist), chudan-nukite-zuki (middle level spear hand strike),
chudan-gyaku-zuki (middle level reverse punch),
as well as, an augmented or supported technique, morote-chudan-uchi-uke (supported middle level inside
outward block). As previously mentioned Heian Ni Dan was originally taught by the Okinawan's
as the first kata in the Pinan series, but that Gichin Funakoshi
Sensei, the "Founder of Shotokan Karate" reversed the order
of Pinan Sho Dan and Pinan Ni Dan when he first introduced karate to Japan,
as he felt that Pinan Ni Dan was a much more complex kata,
and should, therefore, be taught as the second kata. It was also at this
time that Gichin Funakoshi Sensei, changed the name of this particular
series of katas from the Okinawan pronunciation
of Pinan to the Japanese pronunciation
of Heian or "Peaceful
Mind", perhaps in order to have these
katas more readily accepted by Japanese society.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Heian Ni Dan, the first one occurs on the chudan-nukite-zuki (middle level spear hand) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one occurs
on the very last movement of the kata, which is a jodan-age-uke (upper level rising block). This kata
contains 26 movements and should take the student approximately 40 seconds
minute to complete, to finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot,
stand up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 9th kyu (yellow belt) to 8th kyu (orange belt).
-
-
-
HEIAN SAN DAN
- "Peaceful Mind Number Three"
- The third kata in the Heian series, and popular with many
junior students, this kata is noted for the introduction of a very strong
side stance known as kiba-dachi (horse riding stance). Also introduced
for the first time is the students requirement to perform a simultaneous
two handed combination block, in this case a gedan-barai (lower level down block), and
a chudan-uchi-uke (inside outward block), both
of which are performed on the second and fourth movements of this kata.
Other new hand techniques introduced are, chudan-haishu-uke (middle level back hand block),
and jodan-mawashi-zuki (upper level hook punch). One
of the more difficult elements of Heian San Dan occurs coming back down the "I"
of the embusen (line of attack), in which the
student is required to perform a series of movements in kiba-dachi (horse riding stance) while simultaneously
blocking and striking.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Heian San Dan, the first one occurs on the chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one occurs
on the last movement of the kata a jodan-mawashi-zuki (upper level hook punch). This kata contains
23 movements and should take the student approximately 40 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
left foot in place and withdrawing your right foot, stand
up facing forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
now standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 8th kyu (orange belt) to 7th kyu (red belt).
-
-
HEIAN YO DAN
- "Peaceful Mind Number
Four"
- The fourth kata in the Heian series, the student will find
this to be the longest kata taught to date, in addition, more emphasis
is placed on kicks in this kata than in any previous kata found in this
series. There are three chudan-mae-geri-keages (middle level front snapping
kicks), and two chudan-yoko-geri-keages (middle level side snapping kicks).
Once again several new hand techniques are introduced for the first time,
they are gedan-juji-uke (downward X block), chudan-empi-zuki (middle level elbow strike),
and kake-wake-uke (reverse wedge block), as well
as one new stance, kosa-dachi (cross legged stance). This kata
also introduces the student for the first time to two new concepts. One
is the "leaping step", this is where the student is required
to follow up a technique, in this case a jodan-mae-geri-keage (upper level front snapping kick),
with a "leap" forward into a kosa-dachi (cross
legged stance), the distance travelled will usually be equal to one full
length zenkutsu-dachi (front stance) in distance. The
second new concept is that of teaching the student to shift from one stance
to another without moving their feet from the present embusen (line of attack) that they are
on. In this case from a kokutsu-dachi (back stance), to a zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), it is very important
to remember that the dynamics of this movement are done entirely without
stepping off line. Many dojos today, however, make the mistake of allowing
their students to move their left (front) foot over from the kokutsu-dachi (back stance), into a full width
zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), but since the
whole point of the lesson at this point in their training is for the student
to learn to "shift" from once stance to another, allowing the
student to "step" defeats the whole purpose of the lesson and
so it must be avoided.
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Heian Yo Dan, the first one occurs on the augmented
chudan-uraken (supported middle level back fist) at
the top of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack), and the second
one occurs on the chudan-hiza-geri (middle level knee strike) at the bottom
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack). This kata contains 27
movements and should take the student approximately 45 seconds to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
left foot in place and withdrawing your right foot, stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 7th kyu (red belt) to 6th kyu (green belt).
-
-
-
HEIAN GO DAN
- "Peaceful Mind Number Five"
- The Fifth and the final kata in
the Heian series, this kata is without a
doubt the most popular of all the Heian katas. This kata amongst other
things, is noted for the introduction of a jump from one facing position
to another, a new kicking technique, chudan-mika-zuki-geri (middle level inside crescent
kick), two new hand techniques, chudan-mawashi-zuki (middle level round house punch),
and jodan-shuto-juji-uke (upper level open hand X block).
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Heian Go Dan , the first one occurs on the chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one occurs
when you are at the top of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack)
for the second time, the kiai should begin the moment you start the jump and
continue until you land in a kosa-dachi (cross legged stance). This kata contains
25 movements and should take the student approximately 45 seconds to complete,
to finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
left foot in place and withdrawing your right foot, stand
up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 6th kyu (green belt) to 5th kyu (violet belt).
-
-
TEKKI SHO DAN
- "Iron Horse Number
One"
- The first of the three Tekki katas, this kata was originally
known by it's Okinawan name Naihanchi, a name still commonly used today
in several other styles of karate. Thought to be Chinese in origin this
kata is known for the introduction of several unique inward kicks, commonly
known as "wave kicks". It is widely believed that the three
Tekki katas we know and practice today
within the Shotokan system, were once linked together and taught as one
single continuous kata, but that this kata was ultimately broken down
into the three parts we practice today by Gichin Funakoshi sensei's teacher
Master Itosu, primarily for ease of teaching. Gichin Funakoshi Sensei
then changed the name of this particular kata from Naihanchi to Tekki Shodan when he introduced
the art of karate to Japan, perhaps in
order to have the Tekki series of katas more readily
accepted by Japanese society.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Tekki Sho Dan, the first one occurs to the left side
on the first ni-yoko-chudan zuki (double
middle level side punch), this occurs half way through the kata at the extreme
left hand end of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs to the right side on the second ni-yoko-chudan-zuki (double middle level side punch), at
the extreme right end of the embusen (line of attack), which also happens
to be the last movement of the kata. This kata contains 29 movements and should
take the student approximately 45 seconds to complete, to finish the kata
from the last movement, leave your left foot in place
and draw your right foot to your left foot, and finish with your hands to
the front of you so you are now in the yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, now bring your hands to your sides and stand in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 5th kyu (voilet belt) to 4rd kyu (blue belt).
-
-
-
BASSAI DAI
- "To Penetrate the Fortress"
- The first of the two katas in
the Bassai series, Bassai Dai is one of the
longest katas in the Shotokan syllabus, and it is a good test of the students
ability to make maximum use of their hip rotation. This kata introduces
the student to several new hand techniques, including chudan-tate-shuto-uchi-uke (middle level
vertical inside outward sword hand block), chudan-choku-zuki (middle level
straight punch), ryo-sho-tsukami-uke (two handed grasping
block), gedan-sokuto-kekomi (lower level sword foot thrust
kick), morote-jodan-uke (double rising block), and many
other advanced techniques. This kata is very well suited to those students
who can bring out the power this kata portrays when done properly. The
term "Dai" means "greater" and
in this instance refers to the length and strength of this kata.
-
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Bassai Dai, the first one occurs on the gedan-sokuto-kekomi (lower level sword foot thrust kick)
which occurs on the last movement at the top of the "I" of the embusen
(line of attack), and the second one occurs on the last movement of the kata,
a chudan-shuto-zuki (middle level sword hand strike). This
kata contains 42 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
(60 seconds) to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot,
stand up and finish with your hands in front of you so you are now in the
yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, now bring your hands to your sides and stand in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 4th kyu (blue belt) to 3rd kyu (brown belt). Now for
the first time, in addition to performing the kata, the student must also
demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as a requirement for advancement.
-
-
-
JION - "Temple Sound"
- The first in a series of three
katas, Jion puts the emphasis on teaching
a student how to deal with rotational movements, and directional shifts,
and is a good kata for a strong powerful student. Jion introduces several new techniques
such as a series of three consecutive chudan-teisho-yoko-uke (middle level side palm heel
block), and a chudan-uchi-otoshi (middle level falling block).
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Jion, the first one occurs on the third jodan-soto-uke (upper level forearm block) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack), and the second one
occurs on the very last movement of the kata a chudan-yoko-zuki (middle level side punch). This kata
contains 47 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
(60 seconds) to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your left foot in place and withdrawing your right foot
to your left foot, stand and finish with with your hands in front of you in
the yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, now bring your hands to your sides and stand in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), now rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 3rd kyu (brown belt) to 2nd kyu (brown belt). In addition
to performing the kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai
for this kata as a requirement for advancement.
-
KANKU DAI
- "Looking to the Sky"
- The first of the two katas in
the Kanku series Kanku Dai is one of the
longest katas in Shotokan karate and is said to take its name from a Chinese
General who came to Okinawa as an envoy. The kata gets it's meaning from
the first set of movements in this kata, it has been said that Kanku Dai was Gichin Funakoshi
Sensei's favorite kata, and the one he most liked seeing his students
perform. This kata introduces several new
techniques such as ryo-sho-hiji-tate-fuse (both hands and elbows taking
cover) and a chudan-ni-mae-geri (double middle level kick). The term
"Dai" means "greater" and
refers to the length and strength of this kata.
-
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in this
Kanku Dai, the first one occurs on the chudan-nukite-zuki (middle level sword hand strike), and
the second one occurs on the second to last movement in the kata a chudan-ni-mae-geri (double middle level kick). This kata
contains 65 movements and should take the student approximately one and a
half minutes (90 seconds) to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement,
since your are already in a yoi (ready) stance facing forward, simply
bring your left foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot
half way in towards your left foot, and finish with your hands at your sides,
rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing from
2nd kyu (brown belt) to 1st kyu (brown belt). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
HANGETSU - "Half Moon"
- Named for the
semi-circular movements of the hands and feet Hangetsu was originally
known by the Okinawan name of Seisan and it is one of the oldest katas known
to exist. It is very effective for close in attacks, and the circular
leg movements are an excellent way of unbalancing your opponent. This kata introduces several new techniques
such as a gedan-gassho-uke
(lower level double
palm heel block), as well as a unique combination of basic hand and foot
techniques.
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Hangetsu, the first one occurs quite early in
the kata on the first turning combination which is comprised of a shuto-chudan-uchi-uke
and shuto-gedan-barai (middle level sword hand inside outward block,
and a lower level sword hand block), and the second kiai occurs on the second
to the last movement of the kata, a gedan-zuki (lower level punch). This kata contains
41 movements and should take the student approximately one minute (60 seconds)
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and withdraw your left foot
and stand up facing forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and finish with your hands at your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from 1st kyu (brown belt) to Sho Dan (1st Dan). In addition to performing
the kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata
as a requirement for advancement.
-
-
EMPI
- "Flying Swallow"
- Named for the kata's resemblance
to the up and down pattern of a swallow in flight Empi is a favourite kata with many
brown belt and black belt students alike, but the quick complex movements
and combinations in this kata, make Empi a kata that should only be taught
to the more senior students in the dojo, in particular those who are close
to obtaining the rank of Shodan. The requirement to perform for example,
a move into kosa-dachi (cross
legged stance) while at the same time making chudan-soto-uke
and a gedan-zuki (middle level outside inward block and
a lower level punch), or properly performing the series of three chudan-teisho-oshi-age-uke
and gedan-teisho-osae-uke (upper level pressing palm heal
block and lower level pressing palm heal block), while at the same time
stepping into a zenkutsu-dachi (forward stance), requires a
high level of discipline, and the proper repeated effort, that can only
begin to emerge if the student has at least 3 to 4 years of previous training.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Empi, the first one occurs on the on the jodan-soto-uke (upper level forearm strike) that is
performed while in a hidari-ashi-dachi (left legged stance), and the second
kiai begins the moment your start the jump and continues until you land in
a kokutsu-dachi (back stance) where a chudan-shuto-zuki (middle level sword hand strike) is performed.
Thought to be Chinese in origin this kata was originally introduced to Okinawa
as Wanshu a name by which this kata is still known
today within several other styles of karate. This kata contains 37 movements
and should take the student approximately one minute (60 seconds) to complete.
To finish the kata from the last movement, leave your
right foot in place and withdrawing your left foot, stand
up facing forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from 1st kyu brown belt to Sho Dan (1st Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
TEKKI NI DAN - "Iron Horse Number
Two"
- The second kata of the Tekki series katas Tekki Ni Dan introduces several new techniques such
as morote-gedan-soto-uke
(lower level augmented
outward inside block), as well as the opposite technique, a morote-gedan-uchi-uke (lower level augmented inside
outward block). Once a student has familiarized themselves thoroughly
with Tekki Sho Dan they can begin to learn Tekki Ni Dan which they will discover offers
a whole new set of challenges, while still maintaining some of the techniques
familiar to them from Tekki Sho Dan. As I have stated earlier, it is
believed that the three Tekki katas we know today were once
one single, continuous kata, which was ultimately broken down for ease
of teaching by Gichin Funakoshi sensei's teacher, Master Itosu. Tekki Nidan represents the "middle"
portion of this series.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Tekki Ni Dan , the first one occurs half way through
the kata on the first morote-shita-zuki (augmented upper level inverted punch),
on the right side of the body, and the second one occurs on the last movement
of the kata, also a morote-shita-zuki (augmented upper level inverted punch),
only this time on the left side of the body. This kata contains 21 movements
and should take the student 45 seconds to complete. To finish the kata from
the last movement, leave your left foot in place
and withdrawing your right foot stand up and face forward in a hachiji-dachi (natural stance), now bring your left
foot half way in towards your right foot, and your right foot half way in
towards your left foot, and at the same time bring your hands to your sides,
now standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), now step out with your left foot,
then your right foot and stand once again in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). This is a required
kata for advancing from 1st kyu brown belt to Shodan (1st Dan). In addition
to performing the kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai
for this kata as a requirement for advancement.
-
- NOTE : At this point
in their training, the average student will probably have been studying Shotokan
karate for approximately three to four years and will in most cases now be
on the threshold of grading for their black belt, and the rank of Shodan (1st
Dan).
-
- While all of the katas
that are listed above must be known by a student grading for a black belt,
and the rank of Sho Dan (1st Dan) within the FSKA Shotokan Karate system,
the katas that must be performed at their Shodan grading are: Bassai Dai, Jion, Kanku Dai, Hangetsu, Empi, and
Tekki Ni Dan. In addition, to performing these katas,
the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for all six of these
katas as a requirement for advancement.
-
-
- Remember:
- It is far better
to do a few katas very well,
- than a great many
katas very badly.
- Train with patience.
-
-
- Beyond Sho Dan
- The katas that are
listed beyond this point should only be taught to a student once they have
reached the rank of Shodan. Further more, the very advanced of the following
katas should only be taught to a student much later in their Shotokan karate
career once they have obtained a rank such as Ni Dan (2nd Dan), San Dan (3rd
Dan), Yon Dan (4th Dan) and beyond.
-
- As mentioned earlier,
it is very important to always bear in mind that due to the complexity of
each individual Shotokan kata you should never try and rush from one kata
to another. Trying to learn in this manner accomplishes nothing. In fact it
may even slow your ultimate progress, and deminish your understanding of all
that Shotokan karate has to offer.
-
-
KANKU SHO - "Looking to the Sky"
- The second of
the two katas in the Kanku series Kanku Sho should not be
attempted until a student has thoroughly familiarized themselves with
all aspects of Kanku Dai. This kata introduces several new
techniques, such as a snapping combination chudan-oi-zuki-maeude-hineri (middle level lunge punch followed
immediately by snapping and turning the forearm), a jodan-tate-mawashi-shuto-uchi (upper level vertical roundhouse
strike), and a naname-shita-ni-oshinobasu (double downward
oblique push). One of the primary differences between Kanku Sho and Kanku Dai is that in Kanku Dai the counter attacks are at jodan
level (upper level) where as in Kanku Sho the counter attacks tend to be
mainly at chudan level (middle level). The term "Sho" means "lesser" and
refers to the length and strength of this kata.
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Kanku Sho, the first one occurs on the naname-shita-ni-oshinobasu (double downward oblique
push) and the second one occurs on the very last movement
of the kata a chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch). This kata
contains 47 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and withdraw your left foot
and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
-
-
BASSAI SHO
- "To Penetrate the Fortress"
- The second of the two katas in
the Bassai series Bassai Sho follows a similar embusen (line
of attack) as Bassai Dai but it is shorter in length. This
kata introduces several new techniques such as a ni-jodan-shita-zuki (double inverted upper level
punch), a chudan-tsukami-uke (middle level grasping block),
and a gedan-tsukami-uke (lower level grasping block).
Once a student has familiarized themselves thoroughly with Bassai Dai they can begin to learn Bassai Sho which they will find portrays
a more outward feeling calmness, while still maintaining great inner strength,
which is in fact quite the opposite from Bassai Dai which is noted for is visible display
of outward power. Within this kata the student will discover a whole new set of challenges,
while at the same time still performing some of the more familiar techniques
found in Bassai Dai. The term "Sho" means "lesser" and
in this instance refers to the length and strength of this kata.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Bassai Sho, the first one occurs on the gedan-sokuto-kekomi (lower level sword foot thrust kick)
which occurs on the last movement at the top of the "I" of the embusen
(line of attack) and the second one occurs on the last ni-yoko-chudan-zuki (middle level side double punch). This
kata contains 27 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your left foot in place and withdraw your right foot
and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start of the kata, bring
your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
JITTE
- "Ten Hands"
- The second in
a series of three katas the name Jitte implies that
once a student has mastered this kata they should be able to defend themselves
with the hands of ten men. This kata is particularly effective in dealing
with stick attacks such as a bo or a jo. Jitte introduces several
new techniques such as a series of three consecutive jodan-yoko-uchi-barai (upper level
side sweeping block), as well as a series of two sho-koko-bo-uke (tiger mouth
block). A good kata for a student who looks strong and powerful Jitte remains a popular
kata with many senior ranks.
-
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Jitte, the first one occurs on the last jodan-yoko-uchi-barai (upper level side sweeping
block) at the top of the "I" of the embusen
(line of attack) and the second kiai occurs on the very last movement of the
kata a jodan-age-uke (upper level rising block). This kata
contains 24 movements and should take the student approximately 60 seconds
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and pivoting on your right foot
withdraw your left foot to your right foot and at the same time turn 180 degrees
counter clockwise and finish in the yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
CHINTE
- "Extraordinary Hands"
- The name Chinte is Chinese in
origin and is thought to be named after the unusual hand movements contained
in this kata. This kata introduces several new techniques
such as fudo-dachi (rooted stance), chudan-nakadaka-ippon-ken (middle level one knuckle strike),
and a jodan-age-nihon-nukite-zuki (upper level two finger spear
hand strike), as well as this movement Chinte is most famous for san-suri-ashi (three light hopping steps) which
make up the last three moves in the kata and which are thought to be symbolic
of crashing waves retreating from the shoreline. This is a very complex
kata and a student will find there is much to learn here, in particular
the ippon ken (one kunckle strike) and nihon-nukite-zuki (two finger spear hand strike)
are unique in that they are not found in any other Shotokan kata.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in this
kata, the first one occurs on the jodan-empi-uchi (upper level elbow strike) and the second
on occurs on the last chudan-tate-zuki (middle level vertical punch) just before
the three small jumping steps. This kata contains 33 movements and should
take the student approximately one minute to complete. To finish the kata
from the last movement, leave both your feet in place,
bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
TEKKI SAN DAN
- "Iron Horse Number
Three"
- The third and last kata in the
series Tekki San Dan, like it's predecessor's was created by
Gichin Funakoshi sensei's teacher, Master Itosu. Probably the most popular
of the three Tekki katas Tekki San Dan offers the student
little in the way of new techniques and instead can be best summed up
as the end product of what was once one single continuous kata
that originally linked all three Tekki katas together.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Tekki San Dan, the first one occurs on the first jodan-shita-zuki (upper level rising punch) on the left
side half way through the kata and the second kiai occurs on the last movement
of the kata which is the second jodan-shita-zuki upper level rising punch) only this time
on the right side of the body. This kata contains 22 movements and should
take approximately 45 seconds to complete. To finish the kata from the last
movement, leave your left foot in place,
withdraw your right foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to
the start of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
- NOTE : At this point
in their training, the average student will probably have been studying Shotokan
karate for approximately six to eight years and will in most cases now be
on the threshold of grading for their second level black belt and the rank
of Ni Dan (2nd Dan).
-
- While all of the katas
that are listed above must be known by a student grading for the rank of Ni
Dan (2nd Dan) within the FSKA Shotokan karate system, the katas that must
be performed at their Ni Dan grading are: Kanku Sho, Bassai Sho,
Jitte, Chinte, Tekki San Dan. In addition, to performing these katas,
the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for all five of these
katas as a requirement for advancement.
-
- Remember:
- It is far better
to do a few katas very well,
- than a great many
katas very badly.
- Train with patience.
-
-
- Beyond Ni Dan
- The katas that are
listed beyond this point should only be taught to a student once they have
reached the rank of Ni Dan. Further more, the very advanced of the following
katas should only be taught to a student much later in their Shotokan karate
career once they have obtained a rank such as San Dan (3rd Dan), Yon Dan (4th
Dan) and beyond.
-
- As mentioned earlier,
it is very important to always bear in mind that due to the complexity of
each individual Shotokan kata you should never try and rush from one kata
to another. Trying to learn in this manner accomplishes nothing. In fact it
may even slow your ultimate progress, and deminish your understanding of all
that Shotokan karate has to offer.
-
-
GANKAKU - "Crane on a Rock"
- The kata Gankaku is said to be
derived from the Chinese kata Yabu Chinto and Gankaku appears
in Isshin-ryu, Shorin-ryu, and Shotokan karate. Yabu Chinto is said to have originated on the island
of Okinawa in the early 19th century and to be named for a Chinese sailor
who became shipwrecked on the island during a typhoon. Due to the number
of hip rotations, and the balance and skill required to kick with a yoko-geri-keage (side snapping kick) from
a one legged crane stance, Gankaku is definitely one of the hardest
Shotokan katas to master. This kata introduces several
new techniques such as a jodan-sokumen-awase-uke (upper level side combination
block).
-
-
- There are two kiai points in this
kata, the first one occurs on the first chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch), and the second
one
- occurs on the very last movement of
the kata also a chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch). This kata
contains 42 movements and should take the student approximately 60 seconds
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place and pivoting on your right foot
withdraw your left foot to your right foot and at the same time turn 180 degrees
counter clockwise and finish in the yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
SOCHIN - "Immovable Stance"
- The kata Sochin displays power
and stability which it derives from a strong stance used throughout this
kata called fudo-dachi (rooted stance),
in fact the stance is used so often in Sochin this particular
stance has also become known as sochin-dachi. This
kata introduces really only one new technique a jodan-yoko-nukite (upper side spear hand).
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Sochin, the first one occurs on the first jodan-shita-zuki (upper level rising punch) on the right
side three quarters of the way through the kata and the second kiai occurs
on the last movement of the kata which is a chudan-kizama-zuki (middle level thrust punch). This kata
contains 40 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place, withdraw your left foot and
stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start of the kata, bring
your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
NIJUSHIHO - "Twenty Four Steps"
- The name Nijushiho originally came
from then number of foot movements contained in the kata, and this is
the only Shotokan kata in which haishu-uke (back hand block)
is used. It is very important that the student not be confused regarding
this technique by mistaking it for any of the other pressing, or gabbing
techniques, that they have learnt in previous katas. The flow of Nijushiho should be very
smooth and the student must make every effort not to make the kata appear
jerky and uneven. This kata introduces several new techniques
such as chudan-osae-uke ( middle level pressing block),
chudan-mae-empi-uchi (middle level forward elbow strike),
and as mentioned earlier haishu-uke (back hand block).
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Nijushiho, the first one occurs on the jodan-kensei (upper level palm feint), and the second
kiai occurs on the second to last movement of the kata, a combination jodan-zuki/chudan-zuki (upper level and lower level punch) that
is performed in sanchin-dachi (hour
glass stance). This kata contains 34 movements and should take the student
approximately one minute to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement,
leave your left foot in place, withdraw
your right foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
WANKAN - "Kings Crown"
- This is the shortest
kata found in the Shotokan syllabus and yet Wankan is far more complex
kata than it first appears to be. Originally from
the same historic line as the Chinese kata's Wanshu and Wando this kata was being developed, or modernized
by Gichin Funakoshi sensei's son, Yoshitaka (Giko) sensei, who tragically
died in the prime of his life shortly after World War II. Because the
kata Wankan is so short there
are many practitioners today who feel that Yoshitaka (Giko) sensei never
completely finished Wankan, thereby leaving
us with an incomplete kata. This has resulted in some "modern day
masters" occasionally attempting to "complete" this kata
by creating their own set of movements and techniques, and adding them
onto the end of this kata, as if somehow they can reach back in time and
understand what Yoshitaka (Giko) sensei was thinking. How unfortunate
that they should feel the need to tamper with the work of such a great
sensei rather than just immersing themselves in the study of what can
be found in the kata, and simply being satisfied to do the kata as he
left it to us.
-
-
-
- This kata is unusual in that it has
only one kiai point and the kiai occurs on the very last movement of the kata
a yama-zuki (mountain punch), identical to the double
punch found in the kata Bassai Dai. This kata contains 20 movements and should take
the student approximately 45 seconds to complete. To finish the kata from
the last movement, leave your left foot in place,
withdraw your right foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to
the start of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This kata is practiced primarily
by older more experienced karate-ka because unfortunately is not taught that
often in dojos today, even in Japan. Wankan is sometimes referred to as the "lost
kata" of Shotokan karate. This is a required kata for advancing from
Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the kata,
the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as a requirement
for advancement.
-
-
JI'IN - "Temple Ground"
- The third in this series of katas
Ji'in is known for it's circular series
of movements. Ji'in introduces several
new techniques such as a series of three consecutive jodan-shuto-uchi (middle level
sword hand strikes), as well as a series of three consecutive chudan-tetsui-uchi (middle level
hammer fist strikes). This kata will test a students balance which they
will find, can only be improved by placing the proper emphasis on the
correct direction of attack. There are two kiai points in Ji'in, the first one occurs on the
last jodan-shuto-uchi (middle level
sword hand strikes) at the top of the "I"
of the embusen (line of attack) and the second kiai occurs on the very
last movement of the kata, a chudan-zuki (middle level
punch).
-
-
- This kata contains 34 movements and
should take the student approximately one minute to complete. To finish the
kata from the last movement, leave your left foot in place,
withdraw your right foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to
the start of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
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-
-
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MEIKYO - "Polished Mirror"
- The kata Meikyo is a wonderful
blend of the most basic techniques found with in the "Heian"
series of katas and by repeating many of the hand and foot movements on
both the left, and right side, Meikyo suggests a "reflection"
of sorts. Hence it's name "polished mirror". This kata introduces the student
to only one new technique and that is a sankaku-tobi (triangle jump). Similar in appearance
to the circular jumps seen in previous katas such as Empi but this jump is in fact much
different and will test the skill level of even the most experienced sensei.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Meikyo, the first one occurs on the mikazuki-geri (crescent kick) and the second kiai occurs
on the jodan-soto-uke (upper fore arm strike) which is performed
during the sankaku-tobi (triangle jump). This kata contains 33
movements and should take approximately one minute to complete. To finish
the kata from the last movement, leave your right foot
in place, withdraw your left foot and stand in a yoi
(ready) position identical to the start of the kata, bring your hands to your
sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
- At this point in their
training, the average student will probably have been studying Shotokan karate
for approximately ten to twelve years, and will in most cases now be on the
threshold of grading for their third level black belt and the rank of San
Dan (3rd Dan).
-
- While all of the katas
that are listed above must be known by a student grading for the rank of San
Dan (3rd Dan) within the FSKA Shotokan karate system, the katas that must
be performed at their Sandan grading are: Gankaku, Sochin, Nijushiho,
Wankan, Jiin. In addition, to performing these katas,
the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for all five of these
katas as a requirement for advancement.
-
-
- Beyond San Dan
- The katas that are
listed beyond this point should only be taught to a student once they have
reached the rank of San Dan. The following are the three most advanced katas
found within the Shotokan karate system, and they should only be taught to
a student once they have obtained the rank of San Dan (3rd Dan).
-
- As mentioned earlier,
it is very important to always bear in mind that due to the complexity of
each individual Shotokan kata you should never try and rush from one kata
to another. Trying to learn in this manner accomplishes nothing. In fact it
may even slow your ultimate progress, and deminish your understanding of all
that Shotokan karate has to offer.
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-
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GOJUSHIHO SHO - "Fifty Four Steps"
- The kata Gojushiho-Sho is another of the long Shotokan
katas, and is in fact much longer than it's name implies. A variation
of the kata Gojushiho-Dai this kata is in fact even longer
than Gojushiho-Dai despite the name "Sho" which is generally used to suggest
"lesser" against "Dai" which means greater. This is
a favourite amongst many senior students. Once again due to the very high
level of technical skill needed to do this kata effectively Gojushiho-Sho should not be attempted until
a student has reached at least the rank of Sandan. This kata makes extensive
use of shuto-uchi/shuto-uke (sword hand strikes and blocks)
in addition to introducing several new hand techniques which are unique
in that they there are not found in any other Shotokan kata. These include
a combination chuda-shuto-osae/shuto-gedan-barai (middle level pressing sword
hand block and a lower level sword hand strike), a quick series of three
chudan-shihon-nukite-tate-zuki (middle level four finger vertical
strike) and a chudan-ryo-sho-bo-uke (middle level double handed stick
block) just to name a few.
-
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Gojushiho-Sho, the first one occurs a chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack) three quarters of the
way through the kata and the second kiai occurs on the second to last movement
of the kata which is a chudan-ryo-te-seiryuto-uchi (middle level double handed ox jaw strike).
This kata contains 65 movements and should take the student approximately
one and a half minutes to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement,
leave your right foot in place, withdraw
your left foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start
of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from San Dan (3rd Dan) to Yon Dan (4th Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
-
GOJUSHIHO DAI
- "Fifty Four Steps"
- The kata Gojushiho-Dai
is another of the
very long Shotokan katas and like Gojushiho-Sho it too is longer today than it's
name implies. This is also a favourite amongst many senior students, myself
included. Once again due to the very high level of technical skill needed
to do this kata effectively Gojushiho-Dai should also not be attempted
until a student has reached at least the rank of Sandan. This kata introduces
several new techniques which again like Gojushiho-Sho are unique in that they too are
not found in any other Shotokan katas. These include interesting moves
such as chudan-otoshi-ryo-ippon-nukite-zuki (middle level double one knuckle
spear hand dropping punch), and the two unusual washide-gedan-otoshi-uchi (lower level falling eagle strike)
and washide-jodan-uchi (upper level eagle strike). The
term "Dai" means "greater" and
refers to the length and strength of this kata but as stated above it
is in fact several moves shorter than Gojushiho-Sho inspite of it's
name.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in Gojushiho-Dai, the first one occurs a chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top
of the "I" of the embusen (line of attack) three quarters of the
way through the kata and the second kiai occurs on the second to last movement
of the kata which is a chudan-otoshi-ryo-ippon-nukite-zuki (middle level double one finger spear
hand dropping strike). This kata contains 62 movements and should take the
student approximately one and a half minutes to complete. To finish the kata
from the last movement, leave your left foot in place,
withdraw your right foot and stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to
the start of the kata, bring your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from San Dan (3rd Dan) to Yon Dan (4th Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
UNSU - "Cloud Hands"
- The kata Unsu is noted for it's
quick hand techniques, as well as a ni-mawashi-geri (two round kicks)
performed while lying on the ground. To watch this kata done well by a
skilled karate-ka is to be witness a constant visual transformation that
give you the feeling, that like clouds moving across the sky, the karateka
too is unstoppable. This kata introduces several new
techniques such as chuda-keito-uke (middle level chicken head block),
hitosashiyubi-gedan-nukite (lower level index finger spear
hand) and ushiro-geri-kekomi (back thrust kick). Due to the
very high level of expertise required to perform this kata well Unsu should only be attempted by very
senior karateka and only after all of the other katas listed here have
been thoroughly practiced and comprehended.
-
-
-
- There are two kiai points in this
kata, the first one occurs on the gedan-kekomi (lower level thrust kick) and the second
on occurs on the last movement of the kata a chudan-gyaku-zuki (middle level reverse punch). This kata
contains 48 movements and should take the student approximately one minute
to complete. To finish the kata from the last movement, leave
your right foot in place, withdraw your left foot and
stand in a yoi (ready) position identical to the start of the kata, bring
your hands to your sides, rei (bow). This is a required kata for advancing
from San Dan (3rd Dan) to Yon Dan (4th Dan). In addition to performing the
kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate bunkai for this kata as
a requirement for advancement.
-
- At this point in their
training, the average student will probably have been studying Shotokan karate
for approximately fifteen to twenty years and will in most cases now be on
the threshold of grading for their fourth level black belt and the rank of
Yon Dan (4th Dan).
-
- While all of the katas
that are listed above must be known by a student grading for a black belt
and the rank of Yon Dan (4th Dan) within the FSKA Shotokan karate system,
the katas that must be performed at their Yondan grading are: Gojushiho Sho, Gojushiho Dai, Unsu. In
addition to performing the kata, the student must also demonstrate appropriate
bunkai for this kata as a requirement for advancement.
-
- Beyond Yon Dan
- There are no further
katas to be learnt at this stage of a students journey down the Shotokan road.
-
- At this point a student
should be self motivated and dedicated enough to constantly practice, and
review on their own, all of the katas they have been taught, always seeking
at every opportunity to improve their personal performance and to increase
by every means possible the depth of their knowledge of all things related
to the art of Shotokan karate.
-
- For the rank of Go Dan (5th Dan) all of the
katas listed above must be performed to the satisfaction of the grading examiner.
-
-
- REMEMBER:
- Always train as
if it is your last day in the dojo.
- One day it will
be.
-
-
- Part the clouds
- see the way.
-
- "The objective
of karate-do is to contribute to the evolution
- of the human spirit
through physical and mental training."
- Sensei Peter Lindsay