Kata & Bunkai

Kata (prearranged forms) are an integral part of our training syllabus. These prearranged forms help us practise, refine, and further analyse our techniques. Kata provides a purpose and gives you an endless supply of techniques to analyse and refine as your training advances. With all Kata comes bunkai. Bunkai are the applications, purpose, and analysis of each of the techniques you find in the Kata. In the beginning you will learn a set of bunkai for each Kata to help you understand the true meaning behind the movements and associated techniques. As your karate skills develop, and you begin to take on an understanding of how the various techniques can be applied using your own body type, the bunkai of a Kata will start to become your own. At this level you have now moved beyond the beginner and well on your way to self development.

Goju Ryu Kata

There are 12 Goju Ryu kata. We group the three Sanchin as one. The first 6 (which includes the three Sanchin) must be learnt for shodan (black belt). As a guide, the grade at which a kata is first studied is shown in brackets beside each.

Kaishugata (open, more relaxed) Kata

Heishugata (closed, constant tension) Kata