Shotokan Worcester

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The 26 ‘Core’ IJKA Shotokan Kata

• Introduction
• The 26 'Core' IJKA Shotokan Kata
• Grading Kata
• Asai-Ryu Kata

Introduction
Kata are the aerobics of Shotokan Karate and comprise Kihon techniques put together in a set sequence to produce defence and counter attacks against imaginary opponents, requiring constant practise in order to remember and, perform each one with spirit, grace and power.
The practise of kata also develops two key elements of Shotokan karate, rhythm and coordination.
There are 26 'Core Kata' and as a karateka progresses in his or her training, they will be taught different kata that become more complex at each stage of learning..

The 26 ‘Core' IJKA Shotokan Kata
Listed with Japanese ~ English translations.

• Heian Shodan ~ Peaceful Mind 1
• Heian Nidan ~ Peaceful Mind 2
• Heian Sandan ~ Peaceful Mind 3
• Heian Yondan ~ Peaceful Mind 4
• Heian Godan ~ Peaceful Mind 5
• Tekki Shodan ~ Iron Horseman 1
• Bassai-Dai ~ Penetrate a Fortress
• Hangetsu ~ Half Moon
• Enpi ~ Flying Swallow
• Jion ~ Love & Goodness
• Kanku Dai ~ Look to the Sky (Big)
• Bassai-Sho ~ Penetrate a Fortress
• Jitte ~ 10 Hands
• Kanku-Sho ~ Look to the Sky (Small)
• Tekki Nidan ~ Iron Horseman 2
• Nijushiho ~ 24 Steps
• Meikyo ~ Bright Mirror
• Gankaku ~ Crane on a Rock
• Ji'in ~ Love & Shadow
• Tekki Sandan ~ Iron Horseman 3
• Wankan ~ King & Crown
• Unsu ~ Hands in the Clouds
• Gojushiho-Sho ~ 54 Steps (Small)
• Gojushiho-Dai ~ 54 Steps (Big)
• Sochin ~ Strength & Calm
• Chinte ~ Rare Hands
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Grading Kata
The kata required for IJKA ‘Kyu' gradings are:-

Heian Shodan ~ 9th and 8th Kyu
Heian Nidan ~ 7th Kyu
Heian Sandan ~ 6th Kyu
Heian Yondan ~ 5th Kyu
Heian Godan ~ 4th Kyu
Tekki Shodan ~ 3rd Kyu
Bassai-Dai - 2nd and 1st Kyu

The kata required for IJKA ‘Dan' gradings will vary depending on which Dan grade the examination is for.
Typically a Dan grading will comprise of the karateka's chosen kata and, at least two others selected by Kato Shihan at the time of examination. Bassai-Dai is typically the chosen kata for many karateka taking a Shodan (1st Dan) grading.
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Asai-Ryu Kata
Shotokan karate founded by Gichin Funakoshi is an evolving martial art and, was developed and improved by his successor Masatoshi Nakayama.

Likewise, the late Tetsuhiko Asai Shihan dedicated his life to studying and developing Shotokan even further.
The new kata he developed have been given the title ‘Asai-Ryu kata' and, form a living legacy to one of Shotokan's true pioneers.

In addition to the 26 ‘core' IJKA Shotokan kata, ‘Asai-Ryu kata' are also taught at Worcester Shotokan Karate Club.

For further information please visit our Training page.
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