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     The word kata means "shape" or "form". The kanji for kata the Japanese character above at the right) is composed of the following characters:

Katachi meaning "Shape",

Kai meaning "Cut", and

Tsuchi meaning "Earth" or "Soil".

Literally translated, kata means "shape which cuts the ground".

     A kata is a sequence of blocks, kicks and punches from one or more stances, involving movement forward, backward and to the sides. The number of movements and their sequence are very specific. The balance between offensive and defensive techniques, the stances used and the direction and flow of movement all serve to give each kata its distinctive character.

   Through the practice of kata, the traditional techniques used for fighting are learned. Balance, coordination, breathing and concentration are also developed. Done properly, kata are an excellent physical exercise and a very effective form of total mind and body conditioning. Kata embodies the idea of ren ma, or "always polishing" – with diligent practice, the moves of the kata become further refined and perfected. The attention to detail that is necessary to perfect a kata cultivates self discipline.

   Through concentration, dedication and practice, a higher level of learning may be achieved, where the kata is so ingrained in the subconscious mind that no conscious attention is needed. This is what the Zen masters call mushin, or "no mind." The conscious, rational thought practice is not used at all – what was once memorized is now spontaneous.

     The practice of traditional kata is also a way for the karateka to pay respect to the origins and history of Kyokushin Karate and the martial arts in general.

Origins

Kyokushin kata are often categorized as "Northern Kata" or "Southern Kata," based upon their origin and development.

     The Northern Kata are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, since they were developed from Mas Oyama's training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi in turn derived these kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan karate style based on Chinese Shaolin (i.e. "Shorin") kempo. These kata utilize long, powerful stances and strong blocks and strikes. The Northern Kata include:

     The Southern Kata were developed from Mas Oyama's study of the Okinawan karate style of Goju Ryu under So Nei Chu, which in turn were derived from southern Chinese kempo. The movements in these kata are more circular and flamboyant than those in the Northern Kata. The Southern Kata include:

Meanings

Taikyoku

Taikyoku Sokugi

Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi ..

Pinan

Sanchin

– The internal organs, circulation and the nervous system, and

– The three ki, located in:

– the top of the head (tento),

– the diaphragm (hara), and

– the lower abdomen (tan den).

Sanchin is an isometric kata where each move is performed in a state of complete tension, accompanied by powerful, deep breathing (ibuki) that originates in the lower abdomen (tan den). The practice of Sanchin not only leads to the strengthening of the body, but to the development of the inner power (ki) and the coordination of mind and body.

Tensho is a basic illustration of the definition of Karate, derived from Chinese kempo, as a technique of circles based on points.

Tensho should be a prime object of practice because, as a psychological and theoretical support behind karate training and as a central element in basic karate formal exercises, it has permeated the techniques, the blocks and the thrusts, and is intimately connected with the very life of karate.

A man who has practiced Tensho kata a number of thousands of times and has a firm grasp of its theory can not only take any attack, but can also turn the advantage in any attack, and will always be able to defend himself perfectly.

Tsuki No Kata

Yantsu

Gekisai Dai

Gekisai Sho
Gekisai Sho is ...

Saiha

Seienchin

Seipai

Garyu

Kanku


Extra Katas

Bassai
Tekki Sono Ichi
Tekki Sono Ni
Tekki Sono San
Juji Kata No Kata
Juji Keri No Kata

Weapons Kata

Bo - Oshiro No Kon
Bo - Shyushi No Kon
Bo Kihon Sono Ichi
Sai - Tawada No Sai Sho
Terukawa No Tonfa
Tonfa Kihon Sono Ichi
Nunchaku Kihon Sono Ichi
Chion
Soki
Taizan

Kyokushin Kata Requirements

	10th Kyu	Taikyoku Sono Ichi
	9th Kyu	Taikyoku Sono Ni
	8th Kyu	Taikyoku Sono San
	7th Kyu	Pinan Sono Ichi
	6th Kyu	Pinan Sono Ni
	5th Kyu	Pinan Sono San
	4th Kyu	Sanchin No Kata with Ibuki
	3rd Kyu	Pinan Sono Yon
		Sanchin No Kata with Kiai
	2nd Kyu	Pinan Sono Go
		Gekisai Dai
	1st Kyu	Yansu
		Tsuki No Kata
	Shodan	Tensho
		Saiha
		Taikyoku Sono Ichi/Ni in Ura
		Taikyoku Sono San in Ura
	Nidan	Kanku
		Gekisai Sho
		Seienchin
		Pinan Sono Ichi in Ura
	Sandan	Sushiho
		Garyu
		Seipai
		Pinan Sono Ni in Ura