Kata Curriculum

Kata Meaning

1.Taikuyoku Shodan

First Principle

2. Heian Shodan

Peaceful Mind

3. Heian Nidan

Peaceful Mind

4. Heian Sandan

Peaceful Mind

5. Heian Yodan

Peaceful Mind

6. Heian Godan

Peaceful Mind

7. Bassai Dai

Penetrating a Fortress

8. Kanku Dai

Looking at the Sky

9. Enpi

Flying Swallow

10. Sochin

Immovable

11. Meikyo

Polished Mirror

12. Jiin

Temple Grounds

13. Jion

Temple Bells

14. Jitte

Ten Hands

15. Hangetsu

Half Moon

16. Gankaku

Crane on a Rock

17. Tekki Shodan

Ridding Horse 1

18. Tekki Nidan

Ridding Horse 2

19. Tekki Sandan

Ridding Horse 3

20. Chinte

Unusual Hands

 21. Bassai Sho

The lesser Bassai

22. Kanku Sho

The lesser Kanku

23. Nijushiho

24 Steps

24. Unsu

Hands in the Clouds

25. Wankan

Kings Crown

26. Gojushiho Dai

54 Steps

27. Gojushiho Sho

The lesser Gojushiho

KATA TRAINING

1. A Kata, which is generally translated as “form,” is a predetermined series of fighting techniques, (blocking, punching, striking, and kicking) against imaginary opponents.

2. The essence of Karate is in the Kata. The Kata has been the traditional method used by the masters to hand down their techniques over the ages.

3. The Kata allows the student to fully express the four basic tenets of Karate-Do: speed, strength, beauty, and technique.

4. Without Kata, Karate would just be fighting. Physically the Kata develops speed, balance, posture, techniques, and coordination. Mentally, the Kata develops your concentration, attention to detail, awareness, and confidence. Spiritually, the Kata develops your internal energy and you’re fighting spirit.

5. When training your Kata, concentrate on these six areas: Eyes, Pace, Technique, Breathing, Kiai and Kime (focus).

6. Only a Sensei/Sempai or a designated black belt can show a kyu belt a new Kata.

7.  A good way to train your Kata is to do it four times slowly, with great attention to detail, and then the fifth time at the proper pace with kiai and full power.

8. Most Katas begin and end with a block. This symbolizes the defensive nature of Karate training.

9. The Kiai points in a Kata usually fall on a finishing technique.

10. The Kata is not a dance. You must try to visualize your opponents.

11. All self-defense techniques and applications are in the Kata. When you train your Katas for a long time they will reveal themselves to you.

12. Katas always begin and end at the same point.