Syllabus – Kata

What is Kata?

Kata are formal sequences of predetermined defensive and offensive movements. They are performed by oneself against a series of imaginary attacks by several opponents. The secrets of Karate are hidden in these compositions of movements. They are the means by which the fundamental techniques of Karate are transferred to the next generation. There are 27 kata in Shotokan - a new kata or series of kata are learnt for each stage of training.

Recommended Sequence For Learning Katas

• The list below is for the guidance of the Club Dojo Instructor, however it may be adjusted to suit the requirements of the individual student.
• Students may learn Katas different from those designated by their grade, however, these should not be practiced in the Dojo without the Instructor's consent.
• Students should try to learn the next Kata in sequence as recommended on the list during Open Days and Kata Courses.
• Students should have a good grasp of their most recent Kata before learning the next one. This involves understanding the applications of all the moves, correct breathing on each move, an apreciation of the timing and rhythm, the correct form of Kime on the appropriate move, ending the Kata on the Embusen, and a clear insight into the purpose of each individual Kata.
• The student's Tokui Kata is the one which they perform the best, and this is not necessarily the one that is their favorite. Therefore students should choose their Tokui Kata for their grading.
• Katas from Kanku Dai and above may be used as Tokui Katas. The Club Dojo Instructor may at their discretion, choose the grading Kata for the student.

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Kata List By Grade

Beginner and White Belt

Beginner

• Taikyoku.

White Belt -

• Heian Shodan.

Kyu Grades

10th Kyu - Red Belt -

• Heian Nidan.

9th Kyu - Orange Belt -

• Heian Sandan.

8th Kyu - Yellow Belt -

• Heian Yondan.

7th Kyu - Green Belt -

• Heian Godan.

6th Kyu - Blue Belt -

• Tekki Shodan.

5th Kyu - Purple Belt -

• Bassai Dai.

4th Kyu - Purple White Belt -

• Kanku Dai.

3rd Kyu - Brown Belt -

• Enpi.
• Jion.

2nd Kyu - Brown White Belt -

• Jitte.
• Jiin.
• Tekki Nidan.

1st Kyu - Brown Red Belt -

• Hangetsu.
• Gankaku.
• Bassai Sho.
• Kanku Sho.

Dan Grades

Shodan - 1st Dan -

• Sochin.
• Chinte.
• Meikyo.
• Nijushiho.

Nidan - 2nd Dan -

• Wankan.
• Tekki Sandan.
• Unsu.

Nidan plus 18 months - 2nd Dan -

• Gojushiho Dai.
• Gojushiho Sho.

Sandan - 3rd Dan -

• Gankaku Sho.
• Seienchin.
• Seipai.

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Six Weeks Rotating Kata Schedule

3rd Kyu - Brown Belt -

2nd Kyu - Brown White Belt -

1st Kyu - Brown Red Belt -

Shodan - 1st Dan -

Nidan - 2nd Dan -

Nidan plus 18 months - 2nd Dan -

Sandan - 3rd Dan -