The best way to describe “KATA” is to say that it is a pattern of prescribed movements performed in a set order, used to pass on traditional karate techniques. Official Karate kata is kata that originated from Okinawa or South China and then developed in Okinawa. However some kata has originated in mainland Japan.

At Karate Byford we teach Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate, founded by Master Chojiro Tani who was a direct student of Master Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate. As Master Mabuni was an avid student of kata and studied more kata than anyone else in modern times, Shito-Ryu Karate has inherited more katas than any other style.

Shihan Keiji Tomiyama 8th Dan, the current joint head instructor of Kofukan Karate International, visits Australia annually and passes on these kata to us.

Kata List by Family

ITOSU GROUP

Pin'an (Shodan - Godan),*

Naihanchin (Shodan* - Sandan),

Bassai-Dai,*

Bassai-Sho,

Kosokun-Dai,*

Kosokun-Sho,

Shiho-Kosokun,

Jitte,

Jiin,

Jion,*

Wanshu,

Rohai-Shodan,

Rohai-Nidan,

Rohai-Sandan,

Chinto,*

Chintei,

Useishi*

HIGAONNA GROUP

Sanchin,*

Tensho,*

Gekisai (Ichi & Ni),*

Saifa,*

Seienchin,*

Seisan,*

Seipai,*

Sanseiru,

Shissochin,

Kururunfa,*

Suparinpai*

ARAGAKI GROUP

Niseishi,*

Sochin,

Unshu*

MATSUMORA GROUP

Matsukaze,*

Koshiki-Rohai*

KIYAN

Annanko*

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MABUNI

Juroku,*

Seiryu (Aoyagi)

KAKUHO (Crane Method)

Hakucho,

Nipapo,*

Papuren

BASSAI variations

Matsumura-no-Bassai,

Tomari-Bassai

UECHI

Higaonna-Seisan,

Sanrinryu

Shinpa

OTHERS

Matsumura-no-Seisan,

Chatan'yara-no-Kosokun,

Ahnan,*

Heiku,

Paiku,

Pachu

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WEAPONS KATA

Bo - A traditional 6 foot Staff:

Shushi no Kon*

Sakugawa no Kon

Tonfa -  A side-handled baton.

Hamahiga-no-Tonfa*

Sai - A pointed, prong shaped metal baton with two curved prongs (yoku) projecting from the handle (tsuka):

Tsukenshita Haku no Sai*

Jo - A shorter, thinner four foot staff:

Jo no Kata - 10 forms

Iai - A traditional Iaito or training Katana (samurai sword):

Seitei no Kata - 14 forms

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* Kata taught as part of the standard Kofukan syllabus up to 5th Dan