Shorin
Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 core kata, categorized into 2 types ‘Shorin’ and‘Shorei’.
Shorin kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being flexible, soft and slow, with quick sharp movements.
Shorei kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being strong, solid, with solid movements, strong-hard foundation.
Listed below are all 26 katas divided into their specific category:
Kata Name | # of Moves | Kiai at Move # | Kata Meaning |
Heian Shodan | 21 | 9, 17 | “Peaceful Mind” |
Heian Nidan | 26 | 11, 26 | |
Heian Sandan | 20 | 10, 20 | |
Heian Yondan | 27 | 13, 25 | |
Heian Godan | 23 | 12, 19 | |
Bassai Dai | 42 | 19, 42 | “Penetrating the Fortress – Big” |
Kanku Dai | 65 | 15, 65 | “Look to the Sky – Big” |
Empi | 37 | 16,36 | “Flying Swallow” |
Gankaku | 42 | 28, 42 | “Crane on a Rock” |
Bassai Sho | 27 | 17, 22 | “Penetrating the Fortress – Small” |
Kanku Sho | 48 | 6, 48 | “Look to the Sky – Small” |
Unsu | 48 | 36, 48 | “Parting the Clouds” |
Nijushiho | 24 | 18, 23 | “Twenty-four Steps” |
Wankan | 24 | 24 | “Kings and Crown” |
Chinte | 32 | 28, 32 | “Rare Hands” |
Gojushiho Dai | 67 | 59, 66 | “Fifty-four Steps – Big” |
Gojushiho Sho | 65 | 57, 64 | “Fifty-four Steps – Small” |
Shorei
Kata Name | # of Moves | Kiai at Move # | Kata Meaning |
Tekki Shodan | 23 | 12, 19 | “Iron Horse Stand” |
Tekki Nidan | 24 | 16,24 | |
Tekki Sandan | 36 | 16,36 | |
Ji’on | 47 | 17, 47 | “Love and Goodness” |
Jitte | 24 | 13, 24 | “Ten Hands” |
Hangetsu | 41 | 11,40 | “Half Moon” |
Sochin | 41 | 30, 41 | “Strength and Calm” |
Meikyo | 33 | 32 | “Bright Mirror” |
Ji’in | 38 | ? | “Love and Shadow” |