Kata's  (型 or 形)  are forms that combine techniques students learn as standalone techniques and gives them the opportunity to individualy learn the rithms and connections between the techniques. These Kata differ from style to style and are a core definer of the style itself. 

In Zenkyokushin we teach a variaty of Kata's and Pinans, next to the well known ones we teach our own addapted kata's that can be practised by a wide range of people in Zen, and some that are for progressed students. All Kata's and Pinans have names and on this page you can find the ones you are looking for and their meaning. 

 

Taikyoku (First Cause, Grand Ultimate) is translated as "base" and "great extreme", and in Chinese the Kanji characters are pronounced Tai Chi. The word Taikyoku also means "overview" which means that you have a better overview of the whole than the individual points. Maintaining a beginner's attitude is good because it does not limit yourself and you remain open to developments.

Pinan (Peaceful Mind; Peaceful Safety) is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Kanji characters for peace and relaxation. Although the physical movements of the Kata include fighting techniques, some of the objectives of practicing Kata are to achieve calmness, a peaceful mind and harmony between body and mind.

 

Sanchin (Three Battle's) literally means "three battles". It is a principle of certain Okinawan Karate styles such as Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu, and is also one of the oldest Katas. Legend has it that Sanchin was developed by Bodhidarma in the early sixth century. The Sanchin Kata aims to train three elements simultaneously: - the mind, body and techniques; - the internal organs, circulation and nervous system; - the three Ki's (energy points): head (tento), diaphragm (hara) and belly (teeth) Sanchin is an isometric Kata in which every movement is performed in a state of tension, accompanied by powerful breaths (Ibuki). The practice of Sanchin leads to a good cooperation between inner strength (Ki) and coordination between mind and body.

 

Gekisai (Conquer and Occupy) means conquer and occupy. The name comes from the characters Geki, which means to attack or conquer, and Sai, which means occupation. This Kata learns strength through fluid movements, mobility and the use of varied techniques. Flexibility in attack and counter action is superior to static power.

 

Yantsu (Safe Three) comes from the characters Yan (safe) and Su (three). The name originates from a Chinese soldier from Okinawa in the 19th century. The word yantsu also means "pure", and strive to maintain the purity of principles and ideals.

 

Tsuki no Kata (Punching Kata) stands for thrusting Kata (there is only one flight of stairs and a few blocks in the Kata). The word Tsuki also means wealth and happiness. Wealth and happiness do not come naturally. With this Kata you have to remember that with every thrust a (personal) barrier is broken. Persistence with problems leads to success in solving them.

 

Tensho (Turning Palms, Changing Hands) means rolling or flowing hand, literally translated: turning palms. Tensho is the soft and circular (yin) counterpart of the hard and straight (yang) Sanchin Kata. This Kata was not only Mas Oyama's favorite Kata, he also considered it the most indispensable of the advanced Kata: Tensho is a basic depiction of the definition of Karate, derived from the Chinese Kata, as a technique of circles based on points. Tensho should become a primary goal of practice because it provides a psychological and theoretical support to Karate training and because the Kata is a central element in basic Karat techniques.

 

Saiha (Maximum Destruction) means complete destruction or oppression. The word Saiha also means "big wave" (see the IFK logo). No matter how big a problem, with patience, determination, and persistence you can get over it or get through it to find out.

 

Kanku (View the Heavens, Gaze at the Sky) means "to look at the sky". Kan means "looking" and Ku means "universe". The first movement of the Kata is the formation of an opening with the hands above the head (looking at the universe and the rising sun). The meaning is, whatever problem you encounter, every day is new and the universe is waiting for you. Nothing is so bad that it can hit the very foundation of existence.

 

Seienchin (The Storm within the Calm, Attack the Rebellious Outpost, Surpress the Retreat) means conquer or attack a rebel post. In feudal Japan, Samurai warriors often had missions lasting several months requiring them to maintain their strength, mental and physical. This Kata is long and slow with many techniques performed from Kiba Dachi. The legs often get tired during this Kata and perseverance is needed to keep going.

 

Sushiho (Fifty Four Steps) means 54 steps. Sushiho comes from the word Useshi (54) and the word Ho (step). Other Karate styles call this advanced Kata GoJuShi-ho. The number 54 is a sacred number in Buddhism.

 

Garyu (Reclining Dragon) means retired dragon. In Japanese philosophy, an important man who is reticent is called a Garyu. A dragon is powerful, but a withdrawn dragon will only show its strength when really necessary. Similarly, a Karateka will not show his strength and will not boast of his abilities, but will be modest and reserved towards others. Garyu was the nickname of Mas Oyama in his early days.

 

Seipai (Eighteen hands) is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Kanji character 18. In other Karate styles this Kata is sometimes called "Saipaite" or "18 hands". The number 18 comes from the Buddhist idea of ​​6 x 3. Six represents color, sound, taste, smell, touch and justice. Three stands for good, bad and peace.

 

Gekisai Dai total destruction.

 

Yantsu Comes from the characters Yan (safe) and Su (three). The name originates from a Chinese soldier from Okinawa in the 19th century. The word yantsu also means "pure", and strive to maintain the purity of principles and ideals.

 

Enpi means "Flying Swallow". The movements are light and frisky, indicating the defensive flight of a swallow. An ancient kata with the original name Wanshu. Gankaku means "Crane on a Rock" and outlines the so-called weakness of the bird with respect to its prey, which is also its strongest point.

 

Sunparipai: 108 hands kata

 

Sokugi kata are kicking practise and in zen get great progression in ballans of the whole body.