Kata
At the heart of Karate-do lies the formal exercise, KATA.These are sequences of individual movements linked together in order to practice defensive and offensive techniques, employing the fundamental stances, blocks, strikes, punches and kicks against one or more imaginary opponent. Great emphasis is placed upon the perfection of every aspect of the exercise, including correct form, breathing, focus and balance.
The traditions of karate are practiced in the kata, which perfect the grace, consciousness, and power of the physical self and spirit. In ancient times, the kata were secret, taught only by word of mouth to the most trusted students. They were never written down and for this reason the origins are still shrouded in mystery. Shotokan Karate Kata's are steeped in tradition, and have great meaning and value. If they are performed differently they lose all authenticity, the become a dance. Hanshi Asano believes in maintaining these traditions and teaches them in their original form to ensure all Shotokan students can see for themselves the correct way to perform the katas and continue and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the art.
A number of the kata practiced today have their origin in China around the 16th Century. Others were developed in Okinawa and Japan more recently. The majorit of kata taught today are around 75-100 years old
Kata Practice is still considered an excellant training method for traditionalists and modernists alike. For the old Karate masters, kata was the primary method of practice, developing and honing their skills over a lifetime.
| HEIAN | Peaceful Mind Shodan, Nidan, Sandan etc. - Kata 1, 2 3, etc. |
| BASSAI | To penetrate a fortress Sho=Minor ,Dai=Major |
| KANKU | To look at the sky Sho=Minor ,Dai=Major |
| EMPI | Flying swallow |
| GANKAKU | Crane on a rock |
| JITTE | Ten hands |
| HANGETSU | Half-moon |
| TEKKI | Horse riding Shodan=No1 ,Nidan=No2, Sandan=No3 |
| JION | Jion-ji is a famous Buddhist temple |
| SOCHIN | Immovable in the face of danger |
| CHINTE | Strange hands |
| JIIN | Temple grounds |
| NIJUSHIHO | Twenty four steps |
| MEIKYO | Polished mirror |
| UNSU | Hands in the cloud |
| WANKAN | King's crown |
| GOJUSHIHO | Fifty four steps Sho=Minor ,Dai=Major |