Mokuroku no Kata (目録の型)
(catalog of kata)
Kata is often described as the soul of karate. Historically, kata served as a means of recording principles, methods, and tactical concepts, rather than as fixed sequences to be performed for their own sake.
The kata listed on this page reflect those most commonly studied within Shuri Dojo and associated research. They are presented here for reference and context, not as a prescribed syllabus or mandatory sequence.
The open-hand kata associated with our study are rooted primarily in Shuri-te, with the later inclusion of material influenced by Naha-te and Hakutsuru traditions. Over time, additional kata were explored as part of ongoing research and personal study.
Where distinctions are noted, they are intended to reflect historical development rather than hierarchy or importance. Individual practitioners may encounter and explore these kata in different orders, depending on context, experience, and approach.
Kaishugata* and heishugata* are often studied in parallel, reflecting differing technical and conceptual emphases rather than stages of progression.
Markers [1] / [2] are used to indicate kata central to early study and those explored later in the development of the dojo, rather than levels of importance or progression.
Mudansha - Kyu grades
Jukyu (十級) - 10th kyu
N/A
Kukyu (九級) - 9th kyu
Pinan shodan [1]
Hachikyu (八級) - 8th kyu
Pinan nidan [1]
Nanakyu (七級) - 7th kyu
Pinan sandan [1]
Rokukyu (六級) - 6th kyu
Pinan yondan [1]
Gokyu (五級) - 5th kyu
Pinan godan [1]
Yonkyu (四級) - 4th kyu
Naihanchi shodan [1]
Sankyu (三級) - 3rd kyu
Gekisai dai ichi [2]
Nikyu (二級) - 2nd kyu
Sanchin [2]
Ikkyu (一級) - 1st kyu
Kusanku dai [1]
Yudansha - Dan grades
Shodan (初段) - 1st dan
Passai Dai [1]
Seienchin [2]
Nidan (二段) - 2nd dan
Naihanchi nidan [1]
Tensho [2]
Sandan (三段) - 3rd dan
Chinto [1]
Seisan [2]
Yondan (四段) - 4th dan
Naihanchi sandan [1]
Seipai [2]
Godan (五段) - 5th dan
Kusanku sho [1]
Rohai [2]
Rokudan (六段) - 6th dan
Nipaipo [2]
Shisochin [2]
Nanadan (七段) - 7th dan
Gojushiho [1]
Superinpei [2]
* Heishugata and Kaishugata.
Heishugata translates literally into 'close-hand kata', but what it really means is the continued state of tension maintained throughout the execution or performance of the kata by contracting the muscles. Sanchin and Tensho kata are the typical explanation of Heishugata.
Kaishugata in contrast literally means 'open-hand kata'. This type of kata refers to the concept where the practitioner's body remains 'open' or relaxed during most of the kata, and powerful or tensed at the moment of the execution of the respective techniques.
