KATA is the formal exercise of Shotokan karate and is a preset sequence of movements containing different hand (TE WAZA) and leg (ASHI WAZA) techniques performed against the imaginary attacks of multiple assailants.

KATA is the root of all karate. They are a method of teaching self defence and sparring but also a way of exercising and developing the body and mind.

A good KATA is one that uses strong focus (KIME), good spirit (KOKORO), good timing (MAAI), controlled breathing (KOKYO) and a sense of awareness (ZANSHIN).

There are 27 KATA within the SHOTOKAN system.

Below is a list of the Shotokan grades along with the Kata that the student is required to know for their belt examination.

9th Kyu / Orange Belt - KIHON (TAIKYOKO SHODAN)

8th Kyu / Red Belt - HEIAN SHODAN

7th Kyu / Yellow Belt - HEIAN NIDAN

6th Kyu / Green Belt - HEIAN SANDAN

5th Kyu / Blue Belt - HEIAN YONDAN

4th Kyu / Purple Belt - HEIAN GODAN

3rd Kyu / Brown Belt - TEKKI SHODAN

2nd Kyu / Brown/ White Belt - BASSAI DAI

1st Kyu / Brown / 2 White Belt - JION

for video links, click HERE

for a Printed version of your grading KATA, please ask SENSEI

for your grading KATA on DVD , please ask SENSEI

These are the compulsory kata for Dan Grades.

SHODAN - ENPI

NIDAN - MEIKYO and HANGETSU

SANDAN - BASSAI SHO, KANKU SHO and JIIN

YONDAN - SOCHIN, NIJUSHIHO, GANKAKU and GOJUSHIHO DAI

for the above grades add one 'free choise' KATA