This section provides details on the kata used by most major Karate styles including Shotokan, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and many others. The pages below include videos and/or written kata instructions for a huge number of different Karate katas.
GKR's First kata (Taigyoku Shodan) is taken directly from the Shotokan style, which incorporates the long forward stance (zenkutsu-datchi), lunge punch (oi tsuki) and downward block (gedan barai). GKR's Second kata (Taigyoku Nidan) however is completely unique.1) Heian Shodan. Heian Shodan is a basic kata that is commonly practiced in Shotokan Karate. It is the first of the five Heian katas and is also one of the mandatory katas in karate competitions. The name Heian Shodan means „peaceful mind level one" and is usually translated as „first step in the peaceful mind.".
Heien Yondan, meaning 'peaceful mind', is a famous kata name. Junino Kata, meaning 'twelve step form', in Shito-Ryu Karate-do, is the first beginner kata taught. Juroku, meaning 'sixteen', can be completed in 16 steps. Kosokun dai, meaning 'four directions of kosokun', is a famous kata amongst anime characters.
Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 katas, each with their own emphasis on fast and slow or controlled and powerfull movements. Virtually all of the katas taught today in the Shotokan system have two kiai points. "Named after the Saint" Gojushiho Dai: 67 "54 Steps - Big" Gojushiho Sho: 65 "54 Steps - Small" Nijushiho: 24 "24 Steps" Wankan
The first two kata that we learn in GKR Karate are known as Taigyoku Shodan and Taigyoku Nidan, but they are more commonly referred to as First and Second kata. kaij.