Basic Kata

In the style of Shotokan Karate there are 26 officially recognized kata, comprising 5 basic kata, 6 intermediate kata and 15 advanced kata.  This page covers the basic kata.

The basic Shotokan kata are called Heian kata and include Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yondan and Heian Godan.

Basic kata serve as an introduction to the Shotokan style of Karate while providing a way of practicing the basic movements learned during the first few months of practice.