Shotokan Kata Video

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.

The 26 Shotokan standard katas with meaning and origin:

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 (dai=major) 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 (sho=minor) Yasutsune Itosu

Shotokan kata videos