The 26 Shotokan Kata of the Japan Karate Association

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organised into a prearranged fight againstimaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks and throws. Bodymovement in the various kata includes, stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground and jumping.In this article we list the 26 standard Shotokan kata that are practiced by millions of karateka allover the world.Several Shotokan groups have introduced kata from other styles into their training but when theJapan Karate Association (JKA) was formed by Nakayama Sensei, he laid these 26 kata down as thetraining kata for the JKA karateka. Even today, many thousands of Shotokan Dojo only practicethese 26 Kata.Kata should be executed with the correct attitude first and foremost, if the karate practitioner has anunderstanding of the kata, each fast move will be executed with speed, power and intent. Thekarateka will execute the technique like it’s their last.Kata is not a performance, or a demonstration, it is for the individual karateka to practice fulltechniques with 'Ikken Hisatsu' (finishing blow or to kill with one blow).There is most definitely a health aspect to kata, the practice of kata is great for fitness, keeping the body soft, supple and agile. As the karateka gets older, a lot more emphasise is put on health and for good reason.

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