Taikyoku Pinan Kihon Sanchin Gekisai-dai/sho Yansu Tsuki-No Saiha Tensho Seienchin Bo Kata Chion Goryu-Gojushiho Kanku

It is said that there can be no limit placed upon kata training. Consumed by the kata, our attention is drawn in so deeply that inner confusion then dissolves to where it not long exists at all. By regulating the flow of air within the body and synchronizing it with muscular expansion and contraction, the kata becomes a powerful vehicle through which internal thought and external force or performance are harmonized. Gradually an immunity to lives trivia and detachment from illusion becomes easier and quicker. In this light, then, the description of kata as "moving zen" is very appropriate.

Taikyoku-Means taking the overview, the large view. See the whole rather than focusing on the individual parts. Created by Master Gichin Funakoshi

Pinan-Mean peace and harmony. Though the physical moves of kata involve techniques used for fighting, the purpose of kata is also to develop a calm, peaceful mind and harmony between mind and body. Created by Master Gichin Funakoshi's Teacher, Ankoh Itosu

Kihon katas.These katas are very innovative as they have many moves in them.

Sanchin Kata-This is the oldest kata in karate-do. Created by Kanryo Higashionna from Chinese sources with harder ibuki (breathing) added by his successor, Chojun Miyagi. Loosely translated sanchin mean 'three points' or three phases' a reference to the fact that sanchin seeks to develop three elements at a time.

1. The mind, the body and the techniques.
2. The internal organs, the blood circulation and the nervous system
3. And the three located in
   • the top of the head (tento)
   • the diaphragm (hara)
   • the lower abdomen (tanden)

Sanchin is an isometric kata where each motion is performed in a state of complete tension accompanied by powerful, deep breathing. It is aimed at strengthening the muscles and developing a strong stance and proper breathing. Its practice leads to the development of the inner power (ki) and to the coordination of mind and body. It teaches basic footwork, hand and blocking techniques.

Gekisai-dai,Gekisai-sho -Dai means large and sho means small. Such labeling of katas is simply an alternative to using numbers. Sai means fortress or stronghold, geki means breakdown. Kata teaches strength through motion and the utilization of attack and response will always be superior to, and thus defeat , rigid and inflexible brute strength.

Yansu- Means keep pure, striving to maintain the purity of your principles and ideals, rather than compromising for the expedient.

Tsuki No Kata- Means fortune and luck. Good fortune does not come simply by waiting. Each time we punch, in this kata we should imagine that we are breaking down some barrier. Strong, persistent effort directed at our problems will bring us good fortune.

Saiha-Meaning big wave, stands for the principle that no matter how large the problem that faces you, with determination and a strong bushido spirit you can break through.

Tensho- Means rolling hand or fluid hand. Refer also to the 'three points' mentioned in sanchin kata.

Seienchin-Samurai warriors would go on expeditions lasting months or longer. They needed to maintain their strength and spirit over long periods of time. This kata is long and slow, with many movements performed from the kiba dachi stance. Often the legs become painfully tired, and the importance of maintaining a strong spirit becomes clearly evident.

Bo Kata Chion-Means sound knowledge. Sound knowledge of each movement and technique is the first step towards performing a kata properly. Seeking out sound knowledge is the foundation to achieving any goal you have set for yourself.

Goryu-Gojushiho- Means literally 54 steps. 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.

Kanku-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.