Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organised into a prearranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks and throws. Body movement in the various kata includes, stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground and jumping.
In this article we list the 26 standard Shotokan kata that are practiced by millions of karateka all over the world.
Several Shotokan groups have introduced kata from other styles into their training but when the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was formed by Nakayama Sensei, he laid these 26 kata down as the training kata for the JKA karateka. Even today, many thousands of Shotokan Dojo only practice these 26 Kata.
Kata should be executed with the correct attitude first and foremost, if the karate practitioner has an understanding of the kata, each fast move will be executed with speed, power and intent. The karateka will execute the technique like it’s their last.
Kata is not a performance, or a demonstration, it is for the individual karateka to practice full techniques with 'Ikken Hisatsu' (finishing blow or to kill with one blow).
There is most definitely a health aspect to kata, the practice of kata is great for fitness, keeping the body soft, supple and agile. As the karateka gets older, a lot more emphasise is put on health and for good reason.
| Name | Meaning | Originator |
|---|---|---|
| Heian Shodan | Peaceful Way One | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Heian Nidan | Peaceful Way Two | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Heian Sandan | Peaceful Way Three | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Heian Yondan | Peaceful Way Four | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Heian Godan | Peaceful Way Five | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Tekki Shodan | Iron Horse One | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Bassai Dai | To storm a fortress (dai=major) | Peichin |
| Kanku Dai | To view the sky (dai=major) | Kung Hsiang Chun |
| Enpi | Flying swallow | Wang Ji? |
| Sochin | Preserve Peace | Yoshitika Funakoshi |
| Meikyo | Mirror of the soul | Tomari-te |
| Ji'in | Named after the saint | Tomari-te |
| Gojushiho Dai | 54 steps | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Jion | Named after the Chinese temple | Tomari-te |
| Jitte | Ten hands | Tomari-te |
| Hangetsu | Half Moon | Bushi Matsumura |
| Gankaku | Crane on a rock | Bushi Matsumura |
| Tekki Nidan | Iron Horse Two | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Tekki Sandan | Iron Horse Three | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Chinte | Incredible hands | - |
| Bassai Sho | To penetrate a fortress (sho=minor) | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Kanku Sho | To view the sky (sho=minor) | Yasutsune Itosu |
| Nijushiho | 24 steps | Seisho Aragaki |
| Unsu | Hands of a cloud | Seisho Aragaki |
| Wankan | Crown of a king | Gigo Funakoshi |
| Gojushiho Sho | 54 steps | Yasutsune Itosu |
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