" When I practice Kata , I can feel the power of my 'chinkuchi' ( ki ) through my body "    ( a saying of Soke Tatsuo Shimabuku ) The kata, often referred to as the "formal exercise" of martial arts, demonstrates the essence or spirit of its practitioners. The kata is a series of prearranged maneuvers in order for one to become proficient in certain techniques. These prearranged movements can be practiced alone, or under the watchful eyes of an instructor. In ancient times, the kata served as a method of teaching and practicing karate when instructors were far removed from the disciples. Additionally, the kata served as a means of practicing karate where it was otherwise outlawed. The kata serves as a catalog of all the techniques in the martial art. The movements and techniques within the kata give a student insight to the advanced methods of subduing a foe. In the kata a few major techniques are presented and various basic movements are connected with the major techniques. Many kata follow a linear pattern or a cross-like intersection on the floor, like the letters "I", "H", "X". Each kata contains different types of stances which give advantages to offensive or defensive techniques. In the kata, kicks, strikes, and blocks are executed in straight or angular lines verses circular; snappy motions. The movements in the kata are executed with precision, while some movements are also executed with augmented breathing. These techniques teach us the lessons of the ancient masters. There are two major groups of kata; Shuri-te and Naha-te. Many of the advanced kata translate to numeric names: Seisan (13 Hands), Ni Sei Shi (24 Steps), San Shi Ryu (36), and San Chin (3 Battles). The relationship between the exact meaning of the names and the techniques used in the kata are in dispute among many masters of the martial arts. The majority of Japanese karate forms were either inherited directly from, or inspired by the old Okinawan masters. The style of our kata comes from Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu. A student must understand the theory of the kata. Otherwise, a student is only performing a random combination of movements. Understanding what the kata has to teach separates the novice from the advanced student. It is important to understand why the last move was performed a particular way before advancing to the next move or technique. The kata teaches hidden and/or obvious techniques, contain theory, and provide a form of meditation. Isshinryu empty hand Katas Like all Katas, a pattern is formed while performing each Kata. The picture above  is a layout of the empty hand Katas of Isshinryu Karate - Do. Click on Kata name to learn more Seisan (13 Hands ) Seiunchin ( War Kata ) Naihanchi (Side War Kata ) Wansu ( Fight of the swallow ) Chinto ( Fight towards east ) Sanchin ( Three Battles ) Kusanku ( Night War Kata ) Sunsu ( Strong Man ) Isshinryu Kobudo Katas Click on Kata name to learn more Kyan-No-Sai Kusanku-Sai Tokumine-No-Kun Urashi-Bo Chatanyara-No-Sai Shishi-No-Kun Hamahiga-no-Tuifa Remember Without Kata there is no Karate. Kata are sequentially designed defense, attack and counter-attack forms against imaginary opponents. Kata learns the student speed, coordination, balance, rapid technique and control of his breathing. Kata are often hundreds of years old and until this century, Kata was considered the only ideal method of Karate training. Kata is teached by a teacher to his student and can practiced everywhere and on your own. So called modern ( sport ) Karate styles sometimes think that Kata are not of these times or not suitable for a fight; obviously they don't know bunkai ( Kata-explanation/application ) or they don't have patience to learn a Kata well.