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Katas and Their Meanings

The word kata means "shape" or "form." The kanji for kata is composed of three characters: Katachi (shape), Kai (cut), and Tsuchi (earth or soil).

A kata is a sequence of blocks, kicks, and punches from one or more stances, involving movement forward, backward, and to the sides. The number of movements and their sequence are very specific. The balance between offensive and defensive techniques, the stances used, and the direction and flow of movement all serve to give each kata its distinctive character.

Through the practice of kata, traditional fighting techniques are learned. Balance, coordination, breathing, and concentration are also developed. Done properly, kata are an excellent physical exercise and a very effective form of total mind and body conditioning. Kata embodies the idea of ren ma, or "always polishing" — with diligent practice, the moves of the kata become further refined and perfected.

Through concentration, dedication, and practice, a higher level of learning may be achieved where the kata is so ingrained in the subconscious mind that no conscious attention is needed. This is what the Zen masters call mushin, or "no mind."

Mas Oyama said to "think of karate as a language — the kihon (basics) are the letters of the alphabet, the kata are the words and sentences, and the kumite (fighting) is the conversation." He believed it was better to master one kata than to half-learn many.

Three Principles of Kata

  1. Waza no Kankyu — The Tempo (slow/fast) of the Techniques. The tempo of the kata varies: some techniques are performed quickly, while others are done more slowly.
  2. Chikara no Kyojaku — The Force (strong/weak) of the Power. The power of a technique derives from the proper balance between strength and relaxation.
  3. Iki no Chosei — The Control (regulation) of Breathing.

Criteria of Performing Kata

  1. Kime — Showing maximum application of power to a specified target
  2. Kihon — Basic techniques that are the foundation of the kata
  3. Bunkai — Proper understanding of the kata techniques
  4. Zanshin — Continued concentration, even after the kata is finished
  5. Messen — Eye focus; look in the direction of the technique
  6. Ibuki — Breath control

Northern Kata

The Northern katas are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, developed from Mas Oyama's training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi derived these kata from Chinese Kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan style based on Chinese Shaolin Kempo. They utilize long, powerful stances with strong blocks and strikes.

Southern Kata

The Southern katas were developed from Mas Oyama's study of Okinawan Goju Ryu under So Nei Chu. The movements are more circular and flowing than those in the Northern Kata.

Kata Descriptions

1. Taikyoku (1–5)

Taikyoku is literally translated as "grand ultimate" — in Chinese the same kanji is pronounced Tai Chi. The word also means overview or the whole point: seeing the whole rather than focusing on individual parts, keeping an open beginner's mind. The beginner's mind holds no prejudice and is open to endless possibilities. Even as students advance to more complex kata, the first and most basic forms never lose their importance.

2. Sukugi (1–3)

These forms are kicking kata, throwing combinations of kicks in the same pattern as Taikyoku kata.

3. Pinan (1–5)

Pinan means peace and harmony, literally translated as "great peace" or "peaceful mind." Though the moves involve fighting techniques, the purpose of kata is to develop a calm, peaceful mind and harmony between mind and body.

4. Sanchin

Sanchin means "three battles" or "three conflicts," seeking to develop three elements simultaneously: mind, body, and technique; the internal organs, circulation, and nervous system; and the three ki located at the top of the head (tento), the diaphragm (hara), and the lower abdomen (tan den). Sanchin is an isometric kata performed in complete tension, accompanied by powerful, deep breathing (Ibuki) originating in the lower abdomen. Its practice develops not only physical strength but inner power (ki) and coordination of mind and body.

5. Tensho

Tensho means rolling or fluid hand, literally translated as "rotating palms." Tensho is the soft and circular (yin) counterpart to the hard and linear (yang) Sanchin kata. It was one of Mas Oyama's favorite kata, and he considered it the most indispensable of the advanced kata.

6. Yantsu

Yantsu means to keep pure — striving to maintain the purity of principles and ideals rather than compromising for expediency.

7. Gekusai Dai and Sho

Gekusai is derived from Sai (fortress or stronghold) and geki (breakdown). Gekusai can also mean "empty air." The kata teach strength through fluidity of motion, mobility, and the utilization of various techniques. Flexibility of attack and response will always be superior to rigid and inflexible strength.

8. Tsuki no Kata

Tsuki no Kata means fortune and luck. Good fortune does not come by waiting — for every punch (tsuki) in this kata, envision a personal barrier being broken down. Strong, persistent effort directed at problems will bring good fortune.

9. Saifa

Saifa means big wave and can also be translated as "smashing." No matter how large a problem, with patience, determination, and perseverance (Osu) one can rise above and overcome it, or smash through and get beyond it.

10. Seienchin

Samurai warriors went on expeditions lasting months or longer, needing to maintain strength and spirit over long periods. This kata is long and slow, with many movements performed from the Kiba-dachi stance. As the legs grow painfully tired, the importance of maintaining a strong spirit becomes clearly evident.

11. Nohi

This kata is originally from Korea. It is a breaking kata — at a specific point during the kata, the practitioner must break a board or brick.

12. Kanku

Kanku means sky gazing; the kata is also known as the "rising sun." Kan means good observance, and Ku means universe, air, or emptiness. The first move forms an opening with the hands above the head, through which one gazes at the universe and the rising sun. The significance: no matter what problems are faced, each day is new and the universe is waiting. Nothing is so terrible that it affects the basic reality of existence.

13. Garyu

Garyu means reclining dragon. Japanese philosophy holds that a great person who remains in obscurity is called a garyu. A dragon is all-powerful, but a reclining dragon chooses not to show its power for mere vanity — only when truly necessary. In the same way, a true karateka does not brag about or show off abilities, and never forgets the virtue of humility.

14. Seipai

Seipai is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji for 18 (Ju Hachi in Japanese). The number 18 is derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 × 3, where six represents color, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice, and three represents good, bad, and peace.

15. Sushiho

Sushiho means 54 steps, derived from Useshi (the Okinawan pronunciation of 54, Go Ju Shi in Japanese) and Ho (walk or step). Other karate styles call this advanced kata Gojushiho.

16. Family Lau

This kata comes from Hung Gar Kung Fu and represents the martial arts family surname Lau. Don Buck incorporated this kata to develop fluidity alongside power — adding another dimension to the art.