1. For each kata, there are a fixed number of movements. (The basic Heian kata have 20 to 27 movements; advanced kata can have more than 60.) One must perform the movements in the correct order.

2. One must begin and end the kata at the same point on the floor. Each kata has its own "shape" -- depending on the kata, the karateka may move along a straight line or a "T"- or "I"-shaped formation.

3. There are kata that all karateka must learn, and kata that are optional, for a total of 26 kata. The former consist of the five Heian kata, Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, and Kanku-dai. Other kata include Jion, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Bassai-sho, Gankaku, Meikyo, Chinte, Nijushiho, Kanku-sho, Gojushiho-dai, Gojushiho-sho, Kanku-sho, Unsu, Sochin, Ji'in, and Wankan.

4. There are three aspects to performing a dynamic kata: (1) correct use of power; (2) correct speed of movement, be it fast or slow; (3) expansion and contraction of the body. The kata's beauty, power, and rhythm depend on these aspects.

5. One bows at the beginning and end of the kata. Bowing is part of the kata, too.

Select Kata

Tekki Shodan

Bassai Dai

Kanku Dai

Jion

Empi

Heian Shodan

Heian Nidan

Heian Sandan

Heian Yondan

Heian Godan