The word Heian is
shortened from two words heiwa meaning peace and antei meaning stability .These are the
Basic Fundamental Katas. It is known that Yatsune Itosu Sensei, one of
Funakoshi teachers developed these katas combining movements from the
Advanced katas.
Heian Shodan
Heian Nidan
Heian Sandan
Heian Yondan
Heian Godan
Tekki Katas
The
Meaning of Tekki is Iron Horse Riding.Originally called
Naifanchi in Okinawa.The Origin of the first of the tekki kata may be
Chinese but the second and the third were made by Itosu Yatsune
Tekki Shodan
Tekki Nidan
Tekki Sandan
Bassai Katas
The Meaning of Bassai is to Break into the
Castle. Dai - Great Sho - Small.
Both katas have the performance lines shaped
as a "T" The Dai kata was introduced by Master Oyadomori and has 42
movements. The Sho kata was introduced by the great Master Itosu and has
27 moves
Bassai-Dai
Bassai-Sho
Kanku Katas
Also
known as the rising sun kata or sky gazing. Literally translated, Kan means
"view/proper observance", and Ku means "universe", "air", "emptiness" or
"void" (the same character as Kara in karate). The first move of the kata is
the formation of a triangle with the hands above the head, through which one
gazes at the universe and rising sun. This triangle has an even more
profound meaning, since we internally invoque three extremly powerful
energies: "Peace", "Love" and "Freedom".The Meaning of
Kanku is To look at the sky.The Kata was originally known as Ku shan ku and
ko sho kun and was named after after a Chinese boxing expert who developed
the kata.Master Itosu created the Kanku Sho kata (47 movements) based on the
Dai version(65 movements)This kata is known as the 'rising sun.' Literally, kan means good observance and ku
means universe or air or emptiness. The opening move of the
kata is the forming of a triangle above the head. We form the
triangle with our hands, and we lean back and stare through it
toward the universe and the rising sun. The significance is that no
matter what problem or dilemma you may face, each day the rising
sun rises anew and the universe is before you. Nothing is so
terrible that it affects the basic reality of existence. As long as
you are here and the sky and the rising sun are before you, you are
never defeated.
Kanku-Dai
Kanku-Sho
Niju shi ho
Jiin
The
Meaning of Niju shi ho is Twenty four steps and it has 33 movements.
Goju Shiho
The Meaning of
Goju shi ho is fifty four steps.The katas were introduced by Master Anko
Itosu .The Dai version has 62 movements and the Sho version has 64
movements.The principle is that each step you take is a link to the next
step. Your past is linked with your present, your present to your future. In
the same way, the modern inextricably connected with the traditional. It is
important to realize that whatever you achieve, it is always as a result of
the steps you have taken to get there. You should never forget, therefore,
or fail to appreciate, your parents, teachers and the roots and tradition
from which you come.
Goju Shiho
-Dai
Goju Shiho
-Sho
Jion
Empi
"Jion" translated literally
means Love Goodness. The kata is named after a temple in China.considered of
having it's origins in Tomari Te. The turning of the body and shifting of
the body can be learned by practice of this kata. The kata consits of 47
movements and the performance lines are "I" shaped.
"Empi" translated literally
means is "Flying Swallow".Emulates the quick up and down flights of the
Swallow. The kata cosists of 37 movements
Hangetsu
Jutte
"Han getsu " translated
literally read as half moon.The kata has it's base in Naha-te.Originally
called Seishan, it is distinct in it's movements and the breathing involved
whilst performing the kata. The kata consists of 41 moves.
"Ju te " translated literally
means "Ten Hands.The kata has 24 moves and is usually considered as a kata
used for defence against the Bo (stick).
Gankaku
Sochin
"Gan kaku" translated
literally read as Crane standing on a rock.It has 42 moves
"So chin" translated literally
means strength and calmness.Originally called hakko and was used to teach
defence against the bo(stick) Full of stately movements the kata
exudes strength when performed slowly. There are 40 movements
Unsu
Wankan
"Unsu" translated literally
means Cloud Hands.Its intricate movements make it one of the most advanced
katas and has 48 movements.
"Wankan " translated literally
mean "King" and "Crown".The kata is very short.
Chinte
Meikyo
Chin te translated literally
mean extraordinary (rare) hands.The kata begins with calmness and slowly
emerges with power finishing in tranquility. The rare use in karate of tate
ken is seen in this kata as well as the nihon nukite.It has 33 moves.
Meikyo translated literally
mean Shining or bright mirror. Originally called rohai.It has 33 movements.
