Shotokan Kata

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organised into a prearranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks and throws. Body movement in the various kata includes, stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground and jumping.
Several Shotokan groups have introduced kata from other styles into their training but when the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was formed by Nakayama Sensei, he laid these 26 kata down as the training kata for the JKA karateka. Even today, many thousands of Shotokan Dojo only practice these 26 Kata.
Kata should be executed with the correct attitude first and foremost, if the karate practitioner has an understanding of the kata, each fast move will be executed with speed, power and intent. The karateka will execute the technique as if their life depends on it!
Kata is not a performance, or a demonstration, it is for the individual karateka to practice full techniques 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. Shotokan Resource Site

Links

Shotokan Karate of America, the oldest shotokan karate organization in the US.
FREE Shotokan Resource Site: Shotokan Videos and Articles
United Shotokan Karate Federation (Ireland)
International Shotokan Karate Federation
World Traditional Karate Organization
Japan Shotokan Karate Association (Great Britain)
ShotoKan Karatedo of Japan Federation
International Traditional Karate Federation
The history of Shotokan Karate
Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy (Great Britain)
ShotoMag: free online Shotokan magazine
Shotokan Resource Site: Shotokan Videos and Articles
Shotokan Karate Club: Shotokan Videos
The Shotokan Way: A free online Shotokan Karate resource magazine
Japan Karate Shotorenmei (GB & Ireland)

Example Techniques

Main article: List of shotokan techniques
Seiken Tsuki (Forfist punch)
Gyaku Tsuki (Reverse Punch)
Oi Tsuki (Stepping Punch)
Gedan Barai Uke (Low Sweep Block)
Ashi Barai (Foot Sweep)
Jodan Agi Uke (Rising Block)
Chudan Uchi Uke (Forearm Block)
Chudan Soto Uke (Inside Forearm Block)
Shuto Uke (Knife Hand Block)
Zenkutsu Dachi (Front Stance)
Hachiji Dachi
Koukutsu Dachi (Back Stance)
Kiba Dachi (Horse Stance)
Mae Geri (Front Kick)
Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick)
Yoko Geri Kekomi (Side Kick)
Ushiro Geri (Back Kick)
Hiza Geri (Knee Kick)

Ranking

Around the 1920's, Funakoshi adopted the Kyu/Dan system, along with the keikogi that had been developed by judo's founder Kano Jigoro. This system used colored belts as an indication of rank. Originally, Karate had only 3 obi (belt) colours, white, brown and black, with several ranks within each. Here is the original belt system, still used by Shotokan Karate of America.[8]
Ungraded - white
8th kyu - 4th kyu - white
3rd kyu - 1st kyu - brown
dan grades - black
The first "shodan" (初段) ranks given by Funakoshi in karate were to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya on April 10, 1924.
Most schools use the kyu/dan system but have added other colors. The most common, used by the JKA and most other large mainstream, international Shotokan associations is given below but other variations exist.
10th kyu - White
9th kyu - White
8th kyu - Yellow
7th kyu - Orange
6th kyu - Green
5th kyu - Blue
4th kyu - Purple
3rd kyu - Brown & 1 White Stripe
2nd kyu - Brown & 2 White Stripes
1st kyu - Brown & 3 White Stripes
1st dan and above - Black

Dojo

The Dojo (道場) is a sacred space used in the practice of karate. Dojo is composed of two characters and means literally, place of the way. A proper Japanese-style martial arts dojo is considered special and is well cared for by its users. In many styles it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning of the dojo at the end of each training session (called sojii). Many traditional dojo follow a prescribed pattern with shomen and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank laid out precisely. It is not uncommon to find the name of the dojo and the dojo kun (dojo rules) displayed prominently at shomen as well.
The dojo kun used by the International Shotokan Karate Federation, Japan Shotokan Karate Association and the JKA is as follows[7]:
Exert oneself in the perfection of character
Be faithful and sincere
Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
Respect propriety
Refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour
At the end of a training session, mokuso (meditation) may occur. It is a short, tranquil period where the karateka can reflect on the session just finished.

Kumite

Beginners are usually introduced to kumite training with 'gohon kumite' (five-step sparring). In many dojos, students are instead started with 'sanbon kumite' (three-step sparring). Two karateka are required for the exercise. Once they pair up and bow, the attacking karateka steps back into a zenkutsu dachi (front stance) while executing a gedan barai (low block) and announces in a clear, audible fashion the attack. The first type is designated 'jodan' (high level), where they will subsequently execute a high oi-zuki. Their partner must then react by stepping back and executing an age-uke to block the attack. This is repeated until the fifth oi-zuki, when the defender executes a minor counter in the form of a gyaku zuki. The defender is expected to kiai with their counter attack.
That completes one sequence. The next step is for the karateka to return to yoi position (in some associations the counter-attacker moves forward to the yoi position, in some backwards) and the one that was defending takes a turn at attacking, repeating the sequence above.
The other type of gohon kumite is designated 'chudan' (mid level). The differences are that chudan level oi-zuki are used by the attacker and soto-uke blocks are used by the defender.
The next stage of kumite training is the 'sanbon kumite' (three-step sparring). As its name suggest it involves three steps. It is homologous to gohon kumite but instead of five steps, has three.
At intermediate level (usually above 5th kyu), karateka are expected to learn 'ippon kumite' (one step sparring). Though it is only one step, it is more advanced because it involves a greater variety of attacks and blocks. It also requires the defender to execute a minor counter in a timely fashion. Minor counters can be almost anything, including strikes, grapples and take-downs.
The next level of kumite is the 'jiyu ippon kumite' (freestyle one step sparring)(Tsutomu Ohshima actually says in his book "Notes on Training" that jiyu ippon kumite is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more realistic than jiyu kumite). This is almost the same as ippon kumite but requires the karateka to be in motion. Practice in this is beneficial in improving jiyu kumite (freestyle sparring) skills, and also provides an opportunity for practicing major counters (as opposed to minor counters).
Usually the last element of sparring to be introduced is jiyu kumite (free sparring) where two participants are free to use any choice of karate technique or combination attacks and the opponent is free to avoid, block and attack at will. Tradition in shotokan karate is that jiyu kumite uses controlled contact to the opponent. Participants are encouraged to make contact with their opponent but to withdraw their attack after surface contact has been made. This allows a full range of target areas to be attacked (including punches and kicks to the face, head, throat and body) with no padding or protective gloves but maintains a healthy degree of safety for the participants. The use of throws and takedowns is permitted in free sparring, however it is very unusual for fights to involve extended grappling or ground-wrestling as shotokan practitioners are encouraged to finish a downed opponent with a punch or kick.
An additional method of training which is usually introduced for higher grades is kaishu ippon kumite. This starts in a similar manner to jiyu ippon kumite; one karateka names the attack they intend to throw, attacks, and their partner blocks and counters their attack. Unlike jiyu ippon kumite, however, the original attacker must block their partner's counter-attack and strike back at them. This exercise is often considered more difficult than either jiyu ippon kumite or free sparring as participants cannot escape to a safe distance.

Characteristics

Training is usually divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata (forms or patterns of moves). Shotokan techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances which provide stability, powerful movements and also helps strengthen the legs. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more "free" and flexible at a higher level. Funakoshi is said to have found the traditional martial arts (such as sumo, jujutsu and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat, and he put more emphasis on health, breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.^{[citation needed]} Shotokan can be regarded as a hard and 'external' martial art.

Before his students established the Japan Karate Association, Master Funakoshi Gichin laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate, which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of Shotokan.

1. Never forget: karate begins with rei and ends with rei (Rei means courtesy or respect, and is represented in karate by bowing)
2. There is no first attack in karate
3. Karate supports righteousness
4. First understand yourself, then understand others
5. The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique
6. The mind needs to be freed
7. Trouble is born of negligence / ignorance
8. Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo
9. Karate training requires a lifetime
10. Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness
11. Karate is like hot water, if you do not give it heat constantly, it will again become cold water
12. Do not think that you have to win, rather think you do not have to lose
13. Transform yourself according to the opponent
14. The outcome of the fight depends on one's control
15. Imagine one's arms and legs as swords
16. Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies
17. Postures are for the beginner; later they are natural positions
18. Perform the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter
19. Do not forget control of the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body and the speed of the technique
20. Apply the way of Karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

Source:^[2]

Also, Dojo Kun is very important:

1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuro koto.
   First, seek perfection of character.
2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto.
   First, protect the path of truth.
3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto.
   First, foster the spirit of effort.
4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto.
   First, respect the rules of etiquette.
5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto.
   First, guard against impetuous courage.

The prefix Hitotsu (variously tranlated as one or first) is used to indicate that all five principles are equally important. Another less literal translation of the Kun, though possibly a better contextual translation, used by many:

1. Exert oneself in the perfection of character
2. Be faithful and sincere
3. Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
4. Respect propriety
5. Refrain from impetuous courage and reckless behaviour

Funakoshi also wrote the Ultimate Aim of Karate-do:

"The Ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant