All Katas in Karate: Complete Form Encyclopedia

Documenting all katas in karate presents a formidable challenge. Across major styles—Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu, Kyokushin—and countless regional variations, the complete kata list numbers in the hundreds. Some forms appear across multiple styles; others remain unique to specific lineages. This form encyclopedia provides the most comprehensive forms listing available.

Understanding kata requires appreciating their role as karate's primary knowledge transmission method. Before video recording, before widespread literacy, masters encoded fighting techniques within these choreographed sequences. Every karate form contains practical applications—often multiple interpretations hiding within identical movements.

This kata catalog organizes forms by style and difficulty level. Whether you're tracking your style katas for advancement or curious about forms practiced in other traditions, this comprehensive forms reference serves as starting point for deeper exploration.

Kata Count by Major Style

Shotokan Kata: Complete Form List

Shotokan's kata collection derives primarily from Gichin Funakoshi's systematization of Okinawan forms. The style katas divide into two main categories: those emphasizing speed and dynamic movement (Shorin lineage) and those focusing on strength and breathing (Shorei lineage). Most Shotokan practitioners learn all forms listed regardless of body type.

The Heian series provides foundational training. These five forms—Heian Shodan through Heian Godan—introduce basic techniques in progressively complex patterns. Originally called Pinan in Okinawan tradition, Funakoshi renamed them Heian meaning "peaceful mind." Every karate form in this series builds upon its predecessor.

The Tekki series develops rooted stance work. Tekki Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan (originally Naihanchi) train side-to-side movement in horse stance. These compact forms develop hip power and close-range fighting skill. Some lineages consider Tekki Shodan the most important kata for understanding karate fundamentals.

Shotokan's complete kata list:

• Taikyoku series: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan (basic training forms)
• Heian series: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan
• Tekki series: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan
• Advanced: Bassai Dai/Sho, Kanku Dai/Sho, Empi, Jion, Hangetsu
• Elite: Gojushiho Dai/Sho, Nijushiho, Unsu, Sochin, Meikyo, Chinte, Wankan, Jiin, Jitte, Gankaku

The Heian Forms in Detail

Heian Shodan introduces the downward block, stepping punch, and rising block. Despite its simplicity, mastering this form takes years. Heian Nidan adds front kicks and knife-hand blocks while developing side-to-side movement. Heian Sandan incorporates simultaneous techniques and introduces the middle-level elbow strike.

Heian Yondan develops knee kicks and open-hand techniques with more complex timing. Heian Godan contains a jump and introduces the X-block pattern, serving as transition to intermediate-level forms. Together, these five kata collection entries provide comprehensive basic training that prepares students for advanced study.

Goju-ryu Kata: Every Karate Form Listed

Goju-ryu maintains perhaps the most focused kata catalog among major styles. Founded by Chojun Miyagi, this system emphasizes breathing kata and circular movements. The all forms listed for Goju-ryu connect closely to Chinese martial arts origins, with several forms traceable to Fujian White Crane boxing.

Sanchin forms the cornerstone of Goju training. This breathing kata develops internal power generation through dynamic tension. Practitioners perform Sanchin throughout their careers, discovering deeper understanding at each level. Tensho complements Sanchin with softer, more flowing movements while maintaining breathing focus.

The Gekisai forms—Dai Ichi and Dai Ni—serve as introductory training. Miyagi created these specifically for school physical education, making them accessible to beginners while still containing practical applications. Saifa introduces more complex movements including throws and grappling techniques hidden within striking patterns.

Shito-ryu: The Most Comprehensive Forms Collection

Shito-ryu boasts the largest kata collection of any major style—a comprehensive forms treasury exceeding 60 documented patterns. Founded by Kenwa Mabuni, who studied under both Itosu and Higaonna, this style inherited forms from multiple Okinawan lineages. Students typically learn a core curriculum with specialized forms varying by instructor lineage.

The Pinan series mirrors Shotokan's Heian forms—unsurprising since both derive from Itosu's creation. Naifanchi (Tekki equivalent) appears in multiple versions. Beyond these shared forms, Shito-ryu preserves numerous Okinawan kata lost or modified in other systems. This kata catalog functions as living museum of traditional Okinawan martial arts.

Cross-Style Kata Equivalencies

Wado-ryu and Kyokushin Kata Systems

Wado-ryu's form encyclopedia reflects its hybrid origins—karate combined with Japanese jujutsu. Hironori Otsuka modified traditional kata to incorporate body shifting and evasion principles. The style's all katas in karate curriculum includes familiar forms performed with distinctive Wado characteristics: lighter stances, more body movement, and emphasis on avoiding attacks rather than blocking forcefully.

Kyokushin developed its kata collection from multiple sources. Founder Masutatsu Oyama studied various styles before creating his full-contact system. The resulting comprehensive forms set includes modified Shotokan kata alongside forms from Goju-ryu. Some kata—like the Pinan/Taikyoku series—maintain traditional content while others received significant modification.

Choosing Kata for Competition and Training

Factors in kata selection:

1. Physical attributes matching kata demands (flexibility, power, speed)
2. Training goals—competition, self-defense, or personal development
3. Curriculum requirements for belt advancement in your style
4. Personal connection—some forms resonate more than others

Approaches to Kata Study and Mastery

Learning every karate form in your style's curriculum takes years of dedicated practice. Rushing through the full kata list produces superficial knowledge; depth comes from extended study of individual patterns. Many masters advise intensive focus on fewer forms rather than broad but shallow coverage of many.

Bunkai study transforms kata from dance to fighting. The kata collection becomes practical when you explore applications hidden within each movement. Traditional training methods often delayed bunkai study; modern approaches frequently introduce applications earlier. Either way, understanding bunkai reveals purpose behind movements that otherwise seem arbitrary.

Cross-referencing forms across styles enriches understanding. Seeing how Shotokan's Bassai compares to Shito-ryu's version—same origin, different evolution—illuminates how kata change across lineages. This comparative approach provides insights unavailable from single-style study. The form encyclopedia exists across all karate, not just your home style.

Frequently Asked Questions