Kata are a pre-determined sequence of techniques designed to defend against either single or multiple opponents who may, or may not be armed.

There are 26 kata Practiced within the Shotokan Karate Coalition. Each of which has its own personality and timing. They are used regularly in training to develop coordination, footwork, fitness and concentration and were once used as a means of passing down techniques, however such was the tradition of secrecy at the time that Masters only hand picked a few of their top students to teach there kata to and rarely recorded their teachings in any tangible form. As a result much of the application (Bunkai) of traditional kata has been lost over the years through misinterpretation and, or misinformation. A lot of katas were purposely altered in there translation so as to protect their meaning from others.

As well as teaching physical skills kata are also used to develop a concentrated and focused mental state (Zanshin), which is as much a part of karate training as dynamic technique. It is the 'unrelenting, unbeatable' mind of the karate-ka that makes him/her such a formidable force and able to form swift and appropriate re-actions. It is this 'focus' that must be maintained throughout the practice of the kata, if it is not, then the performance becomes little more then physical exercise.

It is important that we continue to develop our knowledge and understanding of kata and bunkai so as to continue the traditions that our Masters created before us.

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Click on the links below for further information on the individual Katas including animations of the Kata and Bunkai.

Heian Shodan

Heian Nidan

Heian Sandan

COMING SOON!

Heian Yondan

Heian Godan

Tekki Shodan

Tekki Nidan

Tekki Sandan

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