Katas

太極初段

Taikyoku Shodan, meaning 'First Cause - First Level', is the most basic Shotokan kata, designed to teach fundamental stepping (Zenkutsu Dachi), blocking (Gedan Barai), and punching (Oi-Zuki). It follows a simple H-shaped embusen.

太極三段

Taikyoku Sandan is the third kata in the Taikyoku series. Like its predecessors, it follows an 'I' shaped pattern (embusen) but introduces jodan age-uke (rising block) as its primary blocking technique. This kata helps students develop upper body blocking techniques while maintaining the same basic footwork pattern as Taikyoku Shodan. The rising blocks in this kata help develop shoulder strength and upper body coordination.

平安初段

Heian Shodan is the first Kata in the Heian series and is usually the first Kata that a beginner must learn. It has 22 movements and its embusen is roughly I-shaped. This Kata takes the student through a similar floor pattern as Taikyoku Shodan, but incorporates different techniques including a hammer fist strike (tettsui-uchi) and knife hand block (shuto-uke). The Kata introduces various stances including forward stance (zenkutsu-dachi), L-stance (renoji-dachi), and back stance (kokutsu-dachi), helping students develop stability and proper weight distribution.

平安二段

Heian Nidan is the second kata in the Heian series and introduces more advanced techniques and combinations. While its embusen (floor pattern) remains relatively simple, it incorporates new elements such as kicks (geri), rising blocks (age-uke), and striking techniques (uchi). This kata emphasizes the development of hip rotation and introduces multiple consecutive techniques performed from a single stance. A notable feature is the introduction of the back stance (kokutsu-dachi) combined with knife-hand blocks (shuto-uke), helping students develop proper weight distribution and defensive techniques.

平安三段

Heian Sandan is the third kata in the Heian series and introduces more complex movements and combinations. It is particularly notable for its emphasis on quick transitions and changes in rhythm. The kata features techniques performed from kibadachi (horse stance) and includes a combination of blocks and strikes. A distinctive characteristic is the introduction of morote-uke (augmented block) and multiple yoko-empi-uchi (side elbow strikes). The kata also emphasizes proper hip rotation and teaches the concept of simultaneous defensive and offensive techniques.

平安四段

Heian Yondan is the fourth kata in the Heian series and represents a significant step up in complexity. It introduces more advanced techniques including kake-uke (hook block), yama-zuki (mountain punch), and distinctive leg techniques such as hiza-geri (knee strike) and yoko-geri (side kick). The kata is characterized by its dynamic movements and the combination of both slow and fast techniques. It emphasizes strong stances and precise timing, particularly in its signature double-strike combinations.

平安五段

Heian Godan is the fifth and most advanced kata in the Heian series. It introduces several sophisticated techniques including mikazuki-geri (crescent kick), jumping techniques, and complex hand movements. The kata is characterized by its dynamic nature and the introduction of more advanced concepts such as kansetsu-geri (joint kicks) and nidan-geri (double kicks). It represents the pinnacle of the Heian series and prepares the student for the more advanced Sentei and Advanced katas.

鉄騎初段

Tekki Shodan is the first kata in the Tekki series, characterized by its unique sideways movements performed entirely in kiba-dachi (horse stance). It emphasizes hip rotation, stability, and powerful blocking techniques. Originally known as Naihanchi in Okinawan karate, this kata simulates fighting in a confined space, such as between two walls or on a narrow walkway.

エンピ

Empi is characterized by the quick and agile movements of a swallow. It features distinctive changes in height (high rising punches vs. low crouching blocks) and rhythm (slow, heavy breathing movements vs. rapid-fire strikes).