Shotokan Katas & Weapons
Master the official 27 Shotokan Karate Katas and explore traditional Okinawan Kobudo weapons.
Taikyoku Shodan
"First Cause, First Level"
The most fundamental kata consisting of basic front stances (Zenkutsu-dachi) and straight punches (Choku-tsuki).
Heian Shodan
"Peaceful Mind, First Level"
Introduces the hammer-fist strike, down block, high block, and transitions between stances.
Heian Nidan
"Peaceful Mind, Second Level"
Introduces back stance (Kokutsu-dachi), knife-hand block (Shuto-uke), and side kicks.
Heian Sandan
"Peaceful Mind, Third Level"
Focuses on close-range techniques, elbow blocks, joint locks, and fighting in back stances.
Heian Yondan
"Peaceful Mind, Fourth Level"
Features dynamic coordination, cross-leg stances, double-arm blocks, and knee strikes.
Heian Godan
"Peaceful Mind, Fifth Level"
Incorporates a jumping crescent kick, landing in a cross-legged stance, and low-level block counters.
Tekki Shodan
"Iron Horse, First Level"
Performed entirely in horse-riding stance (Kiba-dachi), emphasizing lateral hip power.
Tekki Nidan
"Iron Horse, Second Level"
Builds upon Tekki Shodan with open-hand sweeps, hook punches, and high blocks.
Tekki Sandan
"Iron Horse, Third Level"
Focuses on rapid arm deflections, elbow strikes, and low-level sweeps.
Bassai Dai
"To Penetrate a Fortress (Major)"
A strong, powerful kata representing fortress-storming maneuvers using dynamic hip acceleration.
Bassai Sho
"To Penetrate a Fortress (Minor)"
Emphasizes quick defenses against stick attacks, utilizing joint locks and rapid level shifts.
Jion
"Love and Mercy"
A traditional Shaolin-inspired kata focusing on classic, heavy-rooted Shotokan stances.
Kankū Dai
"To View the Sky (Major)"
The longest kata in Shotokan. Simulates combat against eight opponents, starting with looking up to the sky.
Kankū Sho
"To View the Sky (Minor)"
Features rapid sequences, high-extension jumps, and ground-level sweeping escapes.
Hangetsu
"Half Moon"
Characterized by half-moon stepping (Hangetsu-dachi) and deep, controlled breathing (Ibuki).
Empi
"Flying Swallow"
Emphasizes the light, quick movements of a swallow, featuring sudden low stances and a flying jump.
Jitte
"Ten Hands"
Focuses on stick-defense (Bo) techniques, demonstrating the power of a warrior fighting ten men.
Chinte
"Rare Hand"
Features unique circular hand defenses and double-finger strikes to soft targets.
Gankaku
"Crane on a Rock"
A famous kata performed on a single leg (Tsuruashi-dachi), representing a crane balanced on a wave-swept rock.
Sochin
"Strength and Calmness"
Maintains an unshakeable rooted stance (Sochin-dachi / Fudo-dachi), reflecting calm power.
Nijushiho
"Twenty-Four Steps"
Characterized by wave-like, flowing motions simulating the ocean tide shifting between soft and hard power.
Wankan
"King's Crown"
The shortest kata in Shotokan. Focuses on single-hand trapping and sudden close-range counterstrikes.
Ji'in
"Temple Ground"
Emphasizes heavy, grounded transitions and powerful double-arm blocks.
Meikyo
"Mirror of the Soul"
Begins with slow, meditative motions. Features a unique triple-kick jump sequence.
Gojushiho Sho
"Fifty-Four Steps (Minor)"
A highly advanced kata featuring continuous hand-deflections and spear-hand strikes.
Gojushiho Dai
"Fifty-Four Steps (Major)"
Shares similarities with Gojushiho Sho but emphasizes aggressive double-arm thrusts.
Unsu
"Cloud Hands"
The most advanced and visually spectacular Shotokan kata, featuring a 360-degree jumping spin kick.