As skill levels increase, students learn more complicated kata however, more importantly, the relatively simple kata must be performed with improved skill, focus and concentration.
At its basic level kata develops coordination, balance, precision, speed, timing, endurance and power. A kata, performed masterly, embodies all the aesthetic beauty and pure indomitable spirit of a martial art. Ultimately, kata becomes a test against the self to strive for perfection, a perfection that Masters maintain is humanly impossible to attain. Yet in striving for that perfection, practitioners enhance their character by giving their personal best and by conquering his or her self.
A question that is often asked is, “Why should we start and end kata on the same spot?” The design of a kata involves the setting out of a designated number of generally symmetrical steps that intentionally finish at its starting point. Therefore, the obvious expression of technical expertise is the ability to calibrate movements so that they are constant in character and form, ensuring that we finish where we started.
Another question that often arises is, “Why do most kata begin with a block?” Professor Richard Kim, one of the foremost martial arts scholars, suggested, “… most traditional kata begin and end with a block. The reason they begin with a block is that in karate we always wait for the opponent to strike first. Why? There is no advantage to striking first as you only become open or vulnerable when you strike out at someone. Test it for yourself: if you stand in an on-guard position you will notice that you are not really open anywhere. It is only when you strike out at someone that you become open …”
Kata also is historically important. It was the first way in which karate was practised and passed on. There are many different applications of individual techniques (for combat or self-defence) that can be found in the systemised series of movements. Currently there are around sixty kata practised in the various traditional styles of karate, however others exist that are not widely practised.
While kata is largely based on technique, precise control of movement, poise, balance, stance, the three most important aspects of its performance are the application of strength in the correct instances, the control of speed in and between techniques, and the smooth transition of body movements from one technique to the next. However those elements cannot be satisfied without rhythm. Rhythm is an essential element in the performance of all martial arts techniques, and is an integral element of both kata performance and kumite (free sparring).

The attributes of kata are:

- Composure and authority – the expression of a confident, non-tentative manner from the moment you step onto the floor until you finish your performance and leave the mat
- Power, control and focus – the timing, command and release of explosive energy in the execution of techniques, to the focal point, with anchored stillness or flowing accuracy dependent upon the type of technique
- Tension and relaxation – the mastery of breathing and the appropriate utilisation of hard and soft movements and techniques
- Speed and rhythm – control of movements ensuring certainty of balance and confidence in the transitional changes of direction
Understanding and application – the sequence of moves has been internalised to the extent the kata flows with naturalness and reflex response without the need for conscious thought
- Intent and perfect finish – exhibit a gaze of intent with the calmness of mind and detached concentration (mushin) that continues from the beginning to the end of the form. This concentration and control is reinforced through the final movement of the form in which the performer remains fixed for a few moments upon completion of the form
- Spirit and kiai – demonstrate a sense of calm and humility based upon self-knowledge, but at the same time show a fierce fighting spirit. The kiai should be akin to a war cry; sharp and powerful
- Zanshin – the state of total awareness cultivated in the martial arts. Zanshin is not a state achieved through analysis, but rather through experience and instinct. By an intense and intuitive use of the senses some exponents seem to achieve a state of awareness that almost suggests a sixth sense. It produces an intriguing calmness of mind and an apparent detachment even in threatening situations, when fear or anger might seem to be a more natural reaction

The six Taikyoku kata were developed by Soke Funakoshi’s son, Funakoshi Yoshitaka Sensei, and introduced as a way to further simplify the principles of the already simplified Heian kata series. As is the case in most Shotokan dojos, only the first in the Taikyoku series is taught to students as an introductory kata. In his book ‘Karate-Do Kyohan’, Soke Funakoshi described Taikyoku Shodan thus, “… because of its simplicity, the kata is easily learned by beginners. Nevertheless, as its name implies, this form is of the most profound character and one to which, upon mastery of the art of karate, an expert will return to select it as the ultimate training kata”.

Often simply referred to as ‘kihon’, Taikyoku Shodan (first cause, first level) is the first of the Taikyoku series and involves only two basic moves – gedan barai (low block), and chudan oi zuki (middle lunge punch). All stances, except at the beginning and end, are zenkutsu-dachi (forward stance). There are 20 steps to this kata. All turns are inwards towards the embusen (performance line).

The Heian Kata represent the first five kata in Shotokan Karate. They are supposed to introduce beginners to the basics that they will need to advance.
Heian Shodan – (peaceful mind, first level)
Heian Nidan – (peaceful mind, second level)
Heian Sandan – (peaceful mind, third level)
Heian Yondan – (peaceful mind, fourth level)
Heian Godan – (peaceful mind, fifth level)

Originally known in Okinawa as Naihanchi, as with the Heian katas (which were originally named Pinan), these katas were renamed by Soke Funakoshi upon their introduction to Japan to reflect the strength exhibited with kiba-dachi (horse-riding stance). Rich in fighting techniques, the Tekki family offers a multitude of close quarter combat techniques.
Tekki Shodan – (iron horse riding, first level)
Tekki Nidan – (iron horse riding, second level)
Tekki Sandan – (iron horse riding, third level)

Bassai Dai (to penetrate a fortress – big)
The strong techniques of this kata emphasise hip movement. Some resemble a battering ram being used against fortress walls. Without the understanding and application of composure and agility, strength and change, fast and slow techniques, light and heavy applications of strength, it will not be effective.

Kanku Dai (to view the sky – big)
Most of the elements of the Heian Kata were derived from this kata. The first movement in this kata views the sky, which symbolises the universe and shows your opponent that you are unarmed. Formulated around 1762, but adapted by Soke Funakoshi, this is one of the longest kata in karate and was to become Soke Funakoshi’s preferred kata. Its movements display both Okinawan and Chinese influences based on a variety of attacks from four or even eight directions.

Jitte (ten hands)
The goal of this kata is to teach a student to fight against ten opponents. This is a strong kata, similar to Jion and Ji’in. While it is primarily focused on countering stick attacks, it is also effective for understanding the importance of and mastering tightening of the sides of the chest, and the role of the hips in concentrating power.

Hangetsu (half moon)
This kata received its name from its principal stance, hangetsu-dachi (half-moon stance). It is one of the oldest kata currently taught, dating back to the Okinawan Tode Master, Peichan Takahara, who lived from 1688-1760. Characterised by fast and slow techniques, coordinated breathing is integral to its correct performance. The feet movements are useful for breaching the opponent’s stance, and attacking and destroying his / her balance.

Empi (flying swallow)
Dating back to 1695, Empi is one of the oldest kata in Shotokan. The quick up and down movements of this kata are reminiscent of a flying swallow – light, keen and quick-witted. Its former name was Wanshu.

Gankaku (crane on a rock)
Believed to have been formulated in the early 19th century from Chinese Ch’uan Fa (Kempo) principles, this kata takes its name from the posture (tsuruashi-dachi) of a crane standing on one leg on a rock, ready to pounce on its prey. The movements are supposed to simulate a fight in the narrow alleys of Okinawa. The former name of this kata was Chinto.

Jion (love and goodness)
While Jion is a term in Buddhism, it is also the name of a significant temple in China. Employing basic stances and techniques, it is one of the most traditional kata in Shotokan. There is a perfect harmony in this kata and its calm movements contain a strong spirit. It is designed for mastering rotational movements and shifting directions, and the simultaneous execution of arm and leg movements while changing direction.

Bassai Sho (to penetrate a fortress – small)
Derived from Bassai-Dai, this kata displays calmness through its techniques; techniques that contain an inner strength.

Kanku Sho (to view the sky – small)
Derived from Kanku Dai, the movements and performance line are relatively similar.

Chinte (rare hand)
Chinte has a lot of circular and roundhouse techniques. These are rare and are not typical of the ‘shortest distance between two points’ concept applied in Shotokan. The kata begins in tranquillity, becomes powerful and ends in calmness.

Wankan (king and crown)
Wankan is the shortest kata in Shotokan.

Ji’in (love and shadow)
Ji’in is another term Buddhist term. It has similar techniques and performance line as Jion.

Unsu (cloud hands)
The movements in this kata undergo incessant transformations. Unsu has several techniques that symbolise parting the clouds with open hands. Being one of the most advanced kata of Shotokan, there are high and low jumps, slides, feints and provocations, using all parts of the body as weapons and especially developing lightness and quickness, timing rhythm and strategic skills. The trick in this kata is to avoid looking like a scarecrow trying to dance.

Nijushiho (twenty-four steps)
The movements in this kata resemble waves breaking on a cliff. The former name of this kata was Ni Sei Shi. Performance of this kata is only correct when the movements are smooth and flow unbroken into one another.

Sochin (strength and calm)
In this kata we find grandeur, strength and stable power. The name of this kata comes from its stance (sochin-dachi); a strong, rooted stance. One of the benefits of this kata is the nurturing of a keen sense of timing that allows repeated attacks without giving the opponent an opportunity for counter-attack. Its former name was Hakko.

Gojushiho Dai (fifty-four steps – big)
This kata is one of the most advanced kata of Shotokan. Soke Funakoshi called it hotaku (knocking of a woodpecker) because some of the techniques resemble a woodpecker tapping its beak against a tree. It is characterised by smooth and flowing movements, an emphasis on balance, and its turning movements.

Gojushiho Sho (fifty-four steps – small)
This is a variant of Gojushiho Dai. It is also one of the most advanced kata of Shotokan.

Meikyo (bright mirror)
The first movements of this kata suggest the smoothing of water to make it as calm and even as a mirror. The sankaku tobi (triangle jump) at the end of this kata, correctly executed, enables the karateka to convert disadvantage into advantage in a single swift movement.