Meaning of the name Brake through the Fortress (big) Moves: 55

Bassai Dai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The roots of the Kata date back to the 17th century and to a form called Patsai, which originates from the Chinese Quan Fa. Tomari Bassai is probably the most similar to the original Patsai. Bassai Dai, on the other hand, is a work by Yasutsune Itosu and incorporates elements from Tomari Bassai and Matsumura Bassai. In Shotokan, it has undergone only minor changes, with the addition of one technique. Particularly striking, however, is the change to Yamazuki. In Shotokan, this is performed with the body deeply bent, standing in a line, which is much more reminiscent of the ancient Chinese techniques. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Bassai Dai.

Meaning of the name Brake through the Fortress (small) Moves: 34

Bassai Sho

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

Bassai Sho is a rarely practiced Kata in Shotokan. It also plays a minor role in competition. This does not do the Kata justice. When properly executed, it offers a beautiful alternation between dynamism and elegance. However, there are some significant changes compared to the original version by Itosu. These primarily affect the middle section, where Mae Geri is performed in the old version, and the end of the Kata. Here, a rather difficult grappling movement with synchronized Ashi- Barai has been incorporated in Shotokan, whereas the original only featured Shuto Uke. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Bassai Sho.

Meaning of the name Seldom hand Moves: 38

Chinte

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

In Shotokan, it is considered a rarely practiced Kata. It is sometimes considered a feminine Kata because the Nihon Nukite, which targets the eyes, does not require great physical strength. In reality, however, the power of karate comes more from the technical quality of a technique than from muscular strength. Therefore, the above view is inappropriate. The Chinte Kata has undergone the most significant changes in the stances used. The three jumps at the end of the Kata also do not exist in the original form. However, they are a very good exercise for a specific form of Yori Ashi. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Chinte.

Meaning of the name Flight of the swallow Moves: 47

Empi

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

Shotokan's Empi was developed from Tomari Wanshu. Both the techniques and the enbusen were significantly modified. The character of the Kata also no longer corresponds to the original. Empi practices a pronounced alternation between high and low attacks. The Kata exhibits a high pace with rapid changes of direction, similar to the flight of a swallow. For more details, see: Tomari Wanshu

Meaning of the name Crane on the rock Moves: 45

Gankaku

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

The Gankaku of Shotokan is very similar to the Chinto of Shito-Ryu. Beside the stances the main different is the using of Yoko Geri instead for Mae Geri. Compared with Chinto and especially with Tomari Chinto the roots of the white crane style are fading. Because after doing Manji Uke a Yoko Geri will be performed it's more difficult to keep balance as in Chinto. This makes the Kata to one of the most difficult of Shotokan. For more Details: Chinto

Meaning of the name Music of the temple Moves: 51

Jion

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

Jion is one of the most fundamental Kata of Shotokan. It is therefore taught shortly after the Heian Kata has been learned. Hardly any other Kata places such high demands on the thigh muscles. Overall, the Kata is a distinctly strength Kata, which is evident in the high muscle tension displayed even in the slowly executed techniques. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Jion.

Meaning of the name Ground of the temple Moves: 39

Ji’in

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The Ji'in Kata also exists in Shotokan in at least two versions. This is particularly interesting because the Kata itself is rarely practiced. Some of its key features are kosa uke and back turns with tetsui uchi or manji uke, depending on the practiced version of the Kata. The Kata challenges the leg muscles, as well as an upright posture, without which the difficult turns cannot be executed correctly. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Ji’in.

Meaning of the name Ten hands Moves: 29

Jitte

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The Kata Jitte has been given several additional techniques in Shotokan, such as te zukami standing on one leg. Furthermore, some techniques are performed much more slowly. The Ashi Barai before the Yama Uke also doesn't exist in the original. However, this form of practicing Yama Uke is particularly well-suited for strengthening the core muscles, which are particularly important in close combat. Jitte is therefore a very good Kata for physical strengthening. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Jitte.

Meaning of the name Look to the sky (groß) Moves: 71

Kanku Dai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Kanku Dai is considered the quintessential Shotokan Kata. It demands a high level of stamina and promotes muscular development. The most notable changes, besides the replacement of mae-geri with yoko-geri, are the ura-zuki technique followed by a duck to the ground. This is not performed in the original. Apart from the usual Shotokan-typical changes in biomechanics and stances, there are no significant differences. The name was changed to Kanku, "looking to the sky," and refers to the opening movement of the Kata. For more details, see: Kosokun Dai

Meaning of the name Schau zum Himmel (klein) Moves: 63

Kanku Sho

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Kanku Sho differs significantly from Kanku Dai. Interestingly, it includes a Rohai Sandan combination, which also applies to Kosokun Sho. In Shotokan, it was adopted from Mabuni's Shito Ryu and slightly modified. For example, the jump in the middle section of the Kata is originally performed as a rotation around the body's axis. The combination following the Uraken Uchi in Kosa Dachi has also been significantly altered; in the original, Age Uke and Gyaku Zuki are practiced. For more details, see: Kosokun Sho