All through history masters have developed techniques for defense, formulated them into systems and then taught the methods needed to learn their techniques and systems. Those defense techniques were commonly handed down through the ages as intra-family or intra-tribal secrets. As those techniques evolved, certain systems tended to adopt the same or similar methods of practice. The result was the acceptance by most masters of a principal known as “Kata”. Katas play a very significant function in the art of Karate. Katas have deep inner meanings requiring lengthy study and detailed understanding as they apply to the art; however a much simplified meaning of Kata could be a pre-planned program of attack and defense.
Karate (empty hand) Katas: | Kobudo (weapons) Katas: |
Taikyoku Shodan | Bo (staff): |
Taikyoku Nidan | Washin Bo |
Taikyoku Sandan | Kihon Bo |
Pinan Shodan | Tsukin Bo |
Pinan Nidan | Kochinda no kun |
Pinan Sandan | Sunakachi no kun |
Pinan Yondan | Soken no kon (Sho & Dai) |
Pinan Godan | Tsugi sho no kon |
Gekisai (Geisai) | Tsugi no kon (Yamani) |
Wansu | Konga No Kon |
Anaku | Tsui Sho No Kon |
Nihanchi Shodan | Nunchaku: |
Bassai Dai (WKF) | Tutu sho no nunchaku |
Jion (WKF) | Wansu no nunchaku |
Chinto (WKF) | Anaku no nunchaku |
Empi (WKF) | Seiyo no nunchaku shodan |
Wan kan Sho (Seiyo) | Seiyo no nunchaku nidan |
Wan kan Dai (Seiyo) | Seiyo no nunchaku sandan |
Rohai (Seiyo) | |
Meikyo (Seiyo) | Sai: |
Sochin (Seiyo) | Tutu sho no sai |
Ni Ju Shiho (Seiyo) | Tawada no sai (Sho & Dai) |
Go Ju Shiho (Seiyo) | Yakaa no sai |
Hakutsuru Shodan | Tsuken Hantagawa no sai |
Hakutsuru Nidan | Seiyo no Sai Yondan |
Hakutsuru Sundan | |
Hakutsuru Yondan | Tonfa (Tuifa): |
Hakutsuru Godan | Tutu sho no Tonfa |
Odo no Tonfa | |
Hamahiga no Tonfa | |
Eiku: | |
Hei An Za no Eiku Dai | |
Kachi Eiku no Kame | |
Nago Eiku bo tarch |