Kata means form. For many years, all major and fundamental points, blocks, strikes, kicks, punches and basic techniques have been formed. Katas have series of points and techniques selected concisely and each has a specific and deep inner meaning.

Kata is the base and point of karate. There are primary principles and fundamentals of Karate in Katas that briefly are the position of body, stances, foot works, tai sabaki, changing directions, timing, breathing, kiai, as well as a correct mental behavior.

Long ago, kata was practiced secretly and was not common. At that time kata was the only form of karate learning and this can reveal the importance of kata.

Kata alone is a combat against some imaginary opponents on whom karate techniques are done. Therefore, the morals of the individuals during kata are of great importance. Practicing kata continuously, you will realize the real meaning of karate techniques. This knowledge allows you to show correct reaction automatically and in any situation against any attack. Moreover, kata consists of a kumite strategy. Practicing a kata, one should constantly focus on his opponent(s) and do the movements with the highest strength and care, as his life (being alive) depends on doing the techniques in the best possible way. This sort of practicing unifies body and mind. In other words, we can call it feeling, touching and living of kata. However, it has to be noted that some techniques are dangerous but practicing them in kata gives you a control of power and therefore, you gain enough power to control these techniques before using them in kumite. Katas practiced concisely and correctly, teach the trainer the real purpose of master in creating and doing them. That's why kata is counted as one of the most important points in karate.

Some katas are performed under the same name but differently. This is due to the fact that some masters have made some changes in kata on the basis of their own specific philosophy. As said before, in the past, the main axis of karate practice was kata as it was done to use techniques in attack and defense. Beauty in performing kata was not considered. The point was kata target.

There are some katas in which the strikes of fingers are used such as: chintei, unsu, and… They give effective strikes to the sensitive spots of the opponent's body. The masters who had trained their fingers sufficiently invented these techniques. In any case, as these strikes were and are forbidden in combats and competitions, they are only used as one movement in one kata. Here, a very big difference is made between kata and kumite. As one of the karate masters said: "only those who have good observation, try to perform kata techniques in kumite and only these people take katas seriously."
Generally, Japanese masters go after concentration, rhythm change, continuous movements etc, while in western countries, power, speed and beauty are taken into consideration. Even in some cases, the mental points of kata ate forgotten. The Easterns believe that martial arts should be practiced up to an old age and if possible to death. However, a 70-year-old man cannot practice as well as a 30 year old. On the other hand, the heart beat of those who practice kata in western styles increase. Medically and physically speaking, this sort of increase in heartbeat may be fatal and this is certainly not the aim of kata practice. Besides, technically speaking, there has to be a strong and stable position in which paying attention to Hara is necessary.

The kata, about fifty of which have come down to he present day, can be roughly divided into two groups. One the one hand there are those that are seemingly simple but also exhibit grandeur, composure, and dignity. Through practice of this type of kata, the karateka can build up his physique, tempering his bones and forming strong muscles. The other group is appropriate for the acquisition of fast reflexes and quick movements.

Execution of each kata, thst is, the leg movements, is alone a predetermined performance line (Embusen). Though one practices without a visible opponent, he should have in mined "disposing of enemies" coming from four directions or eight directions- and the possibility of a changing performance line.

Since the katas contain all of the elements essential for exercising the whole body, they are ideal for that purpose. Practicing alone or in a group, anyone can follow this way, in accordance with his own level of ability and regardless of age.

It is through these formal exercises that the karateka can learn the art of self-defense, enabling him to face a dangerous situation naturally and efficiently. But the degree of skillfulness is the determining factor.

As said before, in Shitoryu style, there are a variety of katas, some are thought by Anko Itosu (Shuri-te) such as Hian, Basai, Kosokun, Chinto, etc, whose feature is quick movements, some by Kanryo Higaonna (Naha-te), such as Sanchin, Seisan, Seipai, Seienchin, Suparinpei, etc, whose emphasis is on forming muscles and strength. In these katas besides slow movements, there are quick movements too. There are also other katas devised by Kenwa Mabuni such as Shinpa, Juruko, etc, other by Aragaki (Tomari-te), such as Sochin, Unsu, Niseishi, etc.

Important points in performing kata
There are some points and factors in performing kata, which are of great importance. Some of them are easy and clear. On the contrary some others are complicated. Years should be spent in order to get accustomed with them. The points are as follows:

   Different forms of kata practices

A number of things can be said about kata. Below you will find some points that help to better learning and performing of kata:

In this section, we are going to read about ten very fundamental points in kata that must be considered while practicing kata.

Yoi no kisin- Readiness, concentration, will, and determination against opponent before starting kata.

Inyo - Active and passive (i.e. knowing whether you are attacking or defending).

Chikara no kyojaku - Correct method in using power, the amount of power used for each kata movement and position.

Waza no kan kyu - Speed used in each kata movement and position.

Tai no shinsho ku - the amount of contraction and expansion for each movement.

Kokyo - Breathing, right exhalation and inhalation in each kata movement.

Tya kugan - Look spot, considering the aim and destination of technique.

Kiai - Shout, in one or more certain points, shout shows the soul of fight of kata. Additionally, the whole conducted power is released.

Keitai no hoji - Using each technique in its proper place.

Zanshin - Being fully aware, being in guard position at the end of kata. Looking towards the side kata is finished.

Today we can see that many karatekas do not practice kata seriously and do not realize the usage of kata. In fact, it is true that kata will be useable only for those who have studied it deeply and have perfect recognition.

Rey (Bow)
At the beginning and at the end of the kata, one bows. This is part of the kata. When doing kata successively, bow at the every beginning and at the completion of the final kata.

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