Kata Grading List And Links

The word kata means "shape" or "form". The kanji for kata the Japanese character above is composed of the following three Japanese characters :-

Katachi meaning "Shape".
Kai meaning "Cut".
Tsuchi meaning "Earth" or "Soil".


Literally translated, kata means "shape which cuts the ground".

A kata is a sequence of blocks, kicks, punches, locks and throws 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. Kata embodies the idea of ren ma, or "always polishing" – with diligent practice, the moves of the kata become further refined and perfected. The attention to detail that is necessary to perfect a kata cultivates self discipline.

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 memorised is now spontaneous. The practice of traditional kata is also a way for the karateka to pay respect to the origins and history of Kyokushin Karate and the martial arts in general.

The majority of Kyokushin Kata have been derived from Katas from Shotokan and Goju Ryu reflecting Sosai Oyama's early training under Gichin Funakoshi and So Nei Chu. The Sokugi, kicking, kata and the Pinan Katas in Ura, reverse, were created by Sosai Oyama. The Kata Garyu is the most genuine Kyokushin kata as it contains Mawashi Geri and Ushiro Mawashi Geri. This kata is not found in any other form of karate and was created by Sosai Oyama. Some debate exists as to whether Yantsu is a Kyokushin Kata or whether it was derived from a Chinese Kenpo form. It has been altered so much that it should be looked upon as a Kyokushin kata.


Belt Kyu Kata Meaning Origins Video Link
Orange 10th Taikyoku Sono Ichi Grand Ultimate View 1 Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi Hajime
    Taikyoku Sono Ni Grand Ultimate View 2 Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi Hajime
    Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
Orange (+Bar) 9th Taikyoku Sono San Grand Ultimate View 3 Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi Hajime
    Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ni   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Sokugi Taikyoku Sono San   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
Blue 8th Pinan Sono Ichi Peaceful Mind 1 Shuri-Te, Anko Itosu Hajime
    Pinan Sono Ni Peaceful Mind 2 Shuri-Te, Anko Itosu Hajime
Blue (+Bar) 7th Sanchin Three Battles   Hajime
Yellow 6th Pinan Sono San Peaceful Mind 3 Shuri-Te, Anko Itosu Hajime
    Pinan Sono Yon Peaceful Mind 4 Shuri-Te, Anko Itosu Hajime
Yellow (+Bar) 5th Yantsu Keep Pure Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Tsuki No Kata Punching   Hajime
Green 4th Pinan Sono Go Peaceful Mind 5 Shuri-Te, Anko Itosu Hajime
    Taikyoku Sono Ichi Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama  
    Taikyoku Sono Ni Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama  
    Taikyoku Sono San Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama  
Green (+Bar) 3rd Gekisai Dai Conquer and Occupy Major Goju Ryu, Chojun Miyagi  
Brown 2nd Pinan Sono Ichi Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Pinan Sono Ni Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Pinan Sono San Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Pinan Sono Yon Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Pinan Sono Go Ura   Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Tensho Rotating Palm Goju Ryu, Chojun Miyagi Hajime
Brown (+Bar) 1st Saifa Extreme Destruction   Hajime
    Gekisai Sho Conquer and Occupy Minor Goju Ryu, Chojun Miyagi Hajime
Black (+ 1 Gold Bar) Shodan Seienchin Calm In The Storm Naha-Te, Kanryo Higashionna Hajime
    Garyu Reclining Dragon Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama Hajime
    Bassai Dai      
Black (+ 2 Gold Bars) Nidan Seipai 18 Hands    
Black (+ 3 Gold Bars) Sandan Kanku Sky Gazing Tode Sakugawa Hajime
Black (+ 4 Gold Bars) Yondan Sushiho 54 Steps   Hajime


Last updated 24/05/2019