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.