Kata ( 型 or 形) translates as “form” and is a set pattern of moves designed to teach students how to complete combinations of attack, defence, and movement.

Katas help:
•Teach strong stances and footwork
•Build muscle memory
•Develop breath and muscle control
•Teach move combinations
•Build flexibility
•Teach fast and slow (power) moves
•Teach key principles such as blocks, strikes, holds, and throws.

There is a long history on when, how and why kata was developed and taught. In summary, kata was a key component in how karate was used to pass on knowledge of fighting techniques.

Each kata has a set of ‘bunkai’ (分解), literally meaning “break down” or “disassembly”. These are explanations or example applications of individual or combination moves in each kata.

There are many different types of bunkai and each sensei may have their own bunkai for a specific move/combination that differs from another sensei’s bunkai for the same move/move combination.

Katas may seem straightforward but can take years to fully understand.

Note that some sensei teach variations on kata depending on how they were taught.

The aim of this site is not to teach or guide students on how to perform kata but as a teaching aid to be used as students are guided under their sensei.