Kata
Levulose utilizes the twenty-five Kata of Shotokan Karate, as recognized
by the Japanese Karate Association.
Each kata is listed below, and demonstrated by the late Hirokazu Kanazawa.
Chip Perro had the privilege of training under Kanazawa while a student at
Peak Performance in Minneapolis, MN.
Heian Shodan
Translated as "Peaceful Mind Level 1" Heian Shodan is the first of the twenty-five Shotokan Kata. It is the Testing Kata to advance from 9th to 8th Kyu.
Heian Nidan
Translated as "Peaceful Mind Level 2" Heian Nidan is the second of the twenty-five Shotokan Kata. It is the Testing Kata to advance from 8th to 7th Kyu.
Heian Sandan
Translated as "Peaceful Mind Level 3" Heian Sandan is the third of the twenty-five Shotokan Kata. It is the Testing Kata to advance from 7th to 6th Kyu.
Heian Yondan
Translated as "Peaceful Mind Level 4" Heian Yondan is the fourth of the twenty-five Shotokan Kata. It is the Testing Kata to advance from 6th to 5th Kyu.
Heian Godan
Translated as "Peaceful Mind Level 5" Heian Godan is the fifth of the twenty-five Shotokan Kata. It is the Testing Kata to advance from 5th to 4th Kyu.
Tekki Shodan
Translated as "Iron Horse Level 1" Tekki Shodan is performed entirely in kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance) and is the Testing Kata to advance from 4th Kyu to 3rd Kyu.
Bassai Dai
Strong and powerful, Bassai Dai Translates to "Storming the Fortress" and is the testing Kata for 3rd Kyu, Second Kyu, and First Kyu Students, which also makes it the required kata for the 1st Dan Black Belt Examination.
Jion
Jion translates to "Temple Sound" and is one of three katas that 1st Dan students can choose as their testing kata for 2nd Dan.
Enpi
Enpi (also frequently spelled Empi) translates to Flight of the Swallow. It is one of three katas that 1st Dan students can choose as their testing kata for 2nd Dan.
Kanku Dai
Kanku Dai translates to "View the Sky" and is one of three katas that 1st Dan students can choose as their testing kata for 2nd Dan.
Hangetsu
Hangetsu translates to "Half Moon" and describes the specific "Hangetsu" stance used in the kata.
Jitte
Jitte translates to "Ten Hands" with the idea being that after mastery, a student possesses the ability to defeat ten opponents. It may also refer to the "Jitte" weapon.
Gankaku
Gankaku translates to "Crane on a Rock" and features a selection of impressive snapping kicks from a balanced one-leg position, like a crane.
Tekki Nidan
Translated as "Iron Horse Level 2" Tekki Nidan is performed entirely in kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance) and is the second of the three Tekki katas.
Tekki Sandan
Translated as "Iron Horse Level 3" Tekki Sandan is performed entirely in kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance) and is the third of the three Tekki katas.
Nijyushiho
Translated as "Twenty-Four Steps" this kata has twenty-four steps!
Chinte
Translated as "Rare or Unusual Hands" this kata features a selection of unusual hand positions, as the name states..
Sochin
Sochin translates to "Tranquil Force" and features the use of the "sochin" stance within the kata.
Meikyo
Meikyo translates to "polished mirror" and while sometimes considered less flashy than other advanced katas, stresses core fundamentals and stances.
Unsu
Unsu translates to "Cloud Hands" and is notable for an impressive jump sequences. For that reason, it is a favorite in tournament settings.
Bassai Sho
Bassai Sho translates to "Storming the stronghold or small fortress." It is an advanced level kata.
Kanku Sho
Kanku sho translates to "Looking at the Sky - Minor Version." It is an advanced level kata.
Wankan
Wankan translates to "King's Crown" as the opening moves are said to form a crown on the floor.
Gojyushiho Dai
Translated as "54 Steps - Major", Gojyushiho Dai is a long and complex advanced kata.
Gojyushiho Sho
Translated as "54 Steps - Minor", Gojyushiho Dai is a long and complex advanced kata.