Kata

What is a Kata

Kata is a Japanese word that means “formal exercise”. Kata is an integral part of Karate. Kata contains a logical sequence of movements of attack and defence against several imaginary attackers in a particular order. Practicing Kata is a very important way of practicing good karate technique.

Bunkai

The application of the techniques and movements of Kata is called "bunkai". Often only very experienced practitioners know the true meaning of the bunkai in a Kata. There can be many interpretations of any one movement depending on the circumstance. With time every martial artist will learn to interpret more hidden meanings behind each Kata.

Goju-Ryu Katas

There are twelve Katas in Goju-Ryu Karate. Beginning with the first Kata learnt, Gekisai Dai Ichi. Further Katas are introduced as the student progresses with their training. Katas together with other basic karate techniques form an integral part of the karate syllabus and are extremely important for grading purposes.

List of Goju-Ryu Katas

Gekisai Dai Ichi = To Attack and Destroy No 1

Gekisai Dai Ni= To Attack and Destroy No 2

Sanchin = Three battles (Breathing kata)

Tensho = Rotating palms (Breathing kata)

Saifa = Smash and tear

Seiyunchin = To control and pull into battle

Sanseru = 36 Techniques

Shisochin = To destroy in four directions

Seipai = 18 Stances

Seisan = 13 Hands

Kururunfa = Holding on long and striking suddenly

Suparinpei = 108 Positions (Master Kata)

“It should be known that the secret priciples of Goju Ryu karate exist in the kata”

– Chojun Miyagi

“There is no first strike in Karate”

- A very famous Okinawan saying