Kata is an exercise performed individually by karate-ka (practitioners of karate) consisting of precisely defined sequences of techniques in different directions, with perhaps 20 to 40 techniques in each sequence (or kata). Most oriental martial arts utilise this type of exercise, for example the forms of Tai-Chi, the patterns of Taekwondo and, of course, the kata of Karate.

There are a number of reasons for practising kata. It gives us a vehicle that we can use to improve a number of skills, for example, power, precision, focus, speed, intent/zanshin. From the point of view of Karate-do kata can be seen as a form of moving meditation. The pursuit of excellence in striving to perform a kata correctly is an excellent tool in the training of both mind and body. From the point of view of Karate-jutsu kata can be viewed as a catalogue of effective self-defence techniques, a summation of the real life experiences of generations of karate-ka.

Three Important Elements of Kata

1. The application of strength at the correct stance.

2. The control of speed in and between techniques.

3. The smooth transition of the body from one technique to the next.

Shotokan Katas

Original Okinawan names are in brackets.

Name	Translation
Heian Shodan	Peaceful One
Heian Nidan	Peaceful Two
Heian Sandan	Peaceful Three
Heian Yondan	Peaceful Four
Heian Godan	Peaceful Five
Tekki Shodan (Naihanchi)	Steel Horse Riding One
Tekki Nidan	Steel Horse Riding Two
Tekki Sandan	Steel Horse Riding Three
Bassai Dai	Extract from a fortress One
Jion	Jion Temple (Love & Grace)
Enpi	Flying Swallow
Jutte/Jitte	Ten Hands/Technique Hands
Hangetsu (Seisan)	Half Moon
Kanku Dai (Kushanku)	The View of the Sky Major
Gankaku (Chinto)	Rock Crane

Jiin	Mercy and Kindness
Bassai Sho	Extract from a fortress Minor
Kanku Sho	The View of the Sky Minor
Chinte	Unusual Hands
Wankan (Matsukaze)	King's Crown
Sochin	Energetic Calm
Meikyo (Rohai)	Bright Mirror
Gojushiho Sho (Useishi)	54 Steps Minor
Gojushiho Dai	54 Steps Major
Unsu (Unshu)	Cloud Hands
Nijushiho (Niseishi)	24 Steps

What we do.

The University of Kent Karate Club is situated in Canterbury and is very well established; we’ve been around longer than any other martial arts club on campus with a long history of success at the national university championships. The teaching is generally fairly relaxed but disciplined, the teachers all very approachable. We also have a varied curriculum and full weekly training schedule.

Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art; literally meaning ‘empty hand’ it was first created as unarmed defence against armed opponents. It uses powerful strikes designed to disable and incapacitate potential antagonists and as such is a practical skill to know. It provides both mental and physical conditioning, keeps you fit and works to teach useful self-defence.

We are a multi-discipline club, although we’re based in dentokan shorin ryu style karate we have a number of senseis trained in various styles. Beginners are welcome at any point in the year however it’s advisable to join closer to the beginning of a term to benefit the most.

We grade twice over the year towards the end of each term to recognise improvement made and to add a bit more variety we also frequently hold lessons dedicated to ju-jitsu style self defence and basic weapons training.

We cater for competitive members, we normally enter the annual ‘BUCS’ university competition, and this year we hope to get involved in a few more. Our social calendar is usually packed full of exciting events and this year is set to be no different.

Pages

Showreel: What we do.

Training Times

Kata

Three Important Elements of Kata

Shotokan Katas

Blog Archive