The word kata means "shape" or "form". A kata is a sequence of blocks, kicks and punches from one or more stances, involving movement forward, backward and to the sides. The number of movements and their sequence are very specific. The balance between offensive and defensive techniques, the stances used and the direction and flow of movement all serve to give each kata its distinctive character.
Through the practice of kata, the traditional techniques used for fighting are learned. Balance, coordination, breathing and concentration are also developed. Done properly, kata are an excellent physical exercise and a very effective form of total mind and body conditioning.
Through concentration, dedication and practice, a higher level of learning may be achieved, where the kata is so ingrained in the subconscious mind that no conscious attention is needed. This is what the Zen masters call mushin, or "no mind." The conscious, rational thought practice is not used at all - what was once memorized is now spontaneous. Mas Oyama said that one should think of karate as a language, the basic techniques can be thought of as the letters of the alphabet, the kata (forms) will be the equivalent of words and sentences, and the kumite (fighting) will be analogous to conversations. He believed that it was better to master just one kata than to only half-learn many.
The northern katas are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, since they were developed from Mas Oyama's training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi in turn derived these kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan karate style based on Chinese Shaolin (i.e. "Shorin") kempo. These kata utilize long, powerful stances and strong blocks and strikes. The northern katas include:
The Southern katas were developed from Mas Oyama's study of the Okinawan karate style of Goju Ryu under So Nei Chu, which in turn were derived from southern Chinese kempo. The movements in these kata are more circular and flamboyant than those in the Northern katas. The southern katas include:
Tsokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San: These follow the same pattern as the basic Taikyoku kata but using kicks instead of hand techniques, in increasing order of difficulty. Again, these can be performed in ura and other variations.
Ura form: Most katas can be performed in Ura form, which means performing the mirror image of the kata. If the first step of a Kata is right, the Ura form will go left. This is a great way to improve ones knowledge and understanding of a kata. It is also a great mental exercise to make sure one remembers the sequence well.
Go form: Like Ura, the Go form is a modified form of standard katas. In the Go form, some of the steps (normally blocking steps) will be done backwards.