型
Kata Library
The 26 kata of Shotokan, grouped by series. Each is a living record of technique — start with the Heian set and build from there.
Reference demonstrations are courtesy of their performers (credited on each video) and stand in until karate.dev films its own kata series.
Heian
The five foundational kata. Every Shotokan student begins here — they build the stances, blocks, and timing the rest of the system is built on.
Heian Shodan
Peaceful Mind, First Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Heian Nidan
Peaceful Mind, Second Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Heian Sandan
Peaceful Mind, Third Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Heian Yondan
Peaceful Mind, Fourth Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Heian Godan
Peaceful Mind, Fifth Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Tekki
Performed entirely in horse stance (kiba dachi). Develops strong hips, rooted stances, and close-range power.
Tekki Shodan
Iron Horse, First Level
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Tekki Nidan
Iron Horse, Second Level
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Tekki Sandan
Iron Horse, Third Level
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Bassai
“To storm a fortress” — dynamic shifts from disadvantage to advantage with powerful, sweeping motions.
Bassai Dai
To Penetrate a Fortress, Major
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Bassai Sho
To Penetrate a Fortress, Minor
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Kanku
“To view the sky” — long, flowing kata that open by framing the sky with the hands.
Kanku Dai
To View the Sky, Major
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Kanku Sho
To View the Sky, Minor
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Gojushiho
“54 steps” — advanced kata rich in knife-hand and spear-hand techniques.
Gojushiho Dai
54 Steps, Major
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Gojushiho Sho
54 Steps, Minor
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Advanced & Classical
The remaining kata of the Shotokan syllabus, each with its own character and history.
Enpi
Flying Swallow
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Sochin
Strength and Calm
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Meikyo
Bright Mirror
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Ji'in
Temple Ground
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Jion
Temple Sound
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Jitte
Ten Hands
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Hangetsu
Half Moon
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Gankaku
Crane on a Rock
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Chinte
Incredible Hands
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Nijushiho
24 Steps
Demo: Colorado Karate Club
Unsu
Hands in the Clouds
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius
Wankan
King's Crown
Demo: Sensei Soon Pretorius