Favourite Shotokan Kata

[Harkon72]

I was taught the Heian Kata many years ago, there's something about Tekki Shodan that I like but my all time favorite is Bassai Dai.

[pers]

To add to this thread;

Which of the 26 official kata listed for Shotokan would encompass everything, including ethics, ethos, techniques, history, lineages etc.

Please don't say Heian Series as this is apparent in virtually every style put there in one way shape or form.

OSU

They may look similar but they way the are performed are quite different . in shotokan kata techniques are performed based on fundementals of shotokan and that is why I like to do hian shodan after 27 years of training ...

it strengthens my technique , gives me the workout for my basic techniques in the dicipline I like which is shotokan .

[Harkon72]

When they grade for black belt in Shukokai you must perform 6 Kata, two of these are from the Pinan Kata. These at random are the most important, as the speed and rhythm show off the style.

[SamsIAmz]

In my school, we don't have very many kata (we have no affiliation). However the two I've given the most amount of practice time are tekki shodan, and bassai dai.

I love bassai dai. I practice it everyday. I would love to learn some of the other classic ones someday too though such as empi, kushanku, jion, etc.

[Harkon72]

Kushanku, or as they call it in Shotokan, Kanku Dai is a thrilling kata. It brings together the Pinan Kata, a great kata to offer for a shodan grade. I find Tekki Shodan to be more difficult than it looks.

[Harkon72]

Cross training between styles can give you a potent array of Kata.

[brickshooter]

I don't know about anyone else. But the Hein/Pinan is where one can tell the actual skill of a practioner. They're so simple that it's difficult to hide flaws as "personal interpretations."

[Harkon72]

I agree, I believe the basic Kata by their speed and rhythm show how you have been taught your style. This is how each school's teachings are preserved.

[pers]

To add to this thread;

Which of the 26 official kata listed for Shotokan would encompass everything, including ethics, ethos, techniques, history, lineages etc.

Please don't say Heian Series as this is apparent in virtually every style put there in one way shape or form.

OSU

I would say either Bassai or Kanku Dai!

They pretty much encompass Shotokan and are a showcase for the style.

imo of course!

OSU

I agree with you but my mind also wonders towards Unsu ,and the two Gojushiho katas that also reflect what shotokan is about at a higher level.

[DragonRanger_08]

Kanku Sho, Tekki Shodan, and Gankaku.