Shotokan Karate Classes

Step-By-Step Kata Instruction & Video

 

Heian Kata

Originated in Okinawa and were known as Pinan kata prior to being renamed in Japan by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi. Heian is translated as "Peaceful Mind" as the practitioner will be at peace in being proficient at defending oneself after mastering all five forms.

 

Heian Shodan (#1): Step-By-Step, Video

Heian Nidan (#2): Step-By-Step, Video

Heian Sandan (#3): Step-By-Step, Video

Heian Yodan (#4): Step-By-Step, Video

Heian Godan (#5): Step-By-Step, Video

 

 

Taikyoku Kata

Translated as "First Cause". Focuses on stance development and sets the groundwork for training in the Heian Kata.

 

Taikyoku Shodan (#1): Video

Taikyoku Nidan (#2): Video

Taikyoku Sandan (#3): Video

 

 

Tekki Kata

Originated from Okinawa as well and were known as Naihanchi. It is generally believed to have been all 1 kata which was then broken into the current 3 forms, possibly by Sensei Anko Itosu. All 3 forms are performed from the kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance).

 

Tekki Shodan (#1): Kanazawa Video

Tekki Nidan (#2): Kanazawa Video

Tekki Sandan (#3): Kanazawa Video

 

 

Advanced Kata Forms

 

Bassai Dai, "Breaking through an Enemy's Fortress": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Bassai Sho, Stick Fighting 'gentler version of Dai': Kanazawa Video Link

 

Kanku Dai (Kwanku), "To Look to the Sky": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Kanku Sho, "To View the Sky Minor': Kanazawa Video Link

 

Enpi/Empi, "Flying Swallow": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Jion, "Temple in China": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Gankaku, "Crane on a Rock": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Hangetsu, "Cresent Moon": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Jitte (Jutte), "Ten Hands": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Jiin, "Temple Ground": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Chinte, "Many Hands": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Sochin, "Energetic Calm": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Meikyo, "Polish a Mirror": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Gojushiho Dai, "54 Steps": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Gojushiho Sho, "Shorter Variation of Gojushiho Dai": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Nijushiho, "24 Steps": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Wankan, "Kings Crown": Kanazawa Video Link

 

Unsu, "Cloud Hands": Kanazawa Video Link