Shorin & Shorei

Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 core kata, categorized into 2 types ‘Shorin’ and‘Shorei’.

Shorin kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being flexible, soft and slow, with quick sharp movements.

Shorei kata movements are performed with the mind and bodyset of being strong, solid, with solid movements, strong-hard foundation.

Listed below are all 26 katas divided into their specific category:

Shorin

Kata Name	# of Moves	Kiai at Move #	Kata Meaning
Heian Shodan	21	9, 17	“Peaceful Mind”
Heian Nidan	26	11, 26
Heian Sandan	20	10, 20
Heian Yondan	27	13, 25
Heian Godan	23	12, 19
Bassai Dai	42	19, 42	“Penetrating the Fortress – Big”
Kanku Dai	65	15, 65	“Look to the Sky – Big”
Empi	37	16,36	“Flying Swallow”
Gankaku	42	28, 42	“Crane on a Rock”
Bassai Sho	27	17, 22	“Penetrating the Fortress – Small”
Kanku Sho	48	6, 48	“Look to the Sky – Small”
Unsu	48	36, 48	“Parting the Clouds”
Nijushiho	24	18, 23	“Twenty-four Steps”
Wankan	24	24	“Kings and Crown”
Chinte	32	28, 32	“Rare Hands”
Gojushiho Dai	67	59, 66	“Fifty-four Steps – Big”
Gojushiho Sho	65	57, 64	“Fifty-four Steps – Small”

Shorei

Kata Name	# of Moves	Kiai at Move #	Kata Meaning
Tekki Shodan	23	12, 19	“Iron Horse Stand”
Tekki Nidan	24	16,24
Tekki Sandan	36	16,36
Ji’on	47	17, 47	“Love and Goodness”
Jitte	24	13, 24	“Ten Hands”
Hangetsu	41	11,40	“Half Moon”
Sochin	41	30, 41	“Strength and Calm”
Meikyo	33	32	“Bright Mirror”
Ji’in	38	?	“Love and Shadow”