This is the first Kata all students learn. It contains just one stance, one block, and one attack, making it easy for beginners to assimilate. Yet the Kata is also known as the most difficult to master, for beneath the simplicity of its movements lie the underlying principles of Karate-do.

Orange Belt

Heian Shodan (Peaceful Way number 1)

Although there is no one single interpretation of the word that can be considered to be absolutely correct, the word Heian can be interpreted to signify "peaceful." There are five Heian kata. All were likely created by Yasutsune Itosu in the early 1900's for the purpose of teaching karate to large groups of children. Originally, Heian Shodan was the second kata taught and the current Heian Nidan was the first. However, Gichin Funakoshi decided to change the order for the reason that the current Heian Shodan is initially much simpler to perform and teach to beginners. Heian Shodan introduces the student to rising block, knife hand block, hammer fist strike, and back stance. It also heavily emphasizes the use of front stance, lunge punch, and downward block.

Green Belt

Gekisai Dai Ichi (To destroy introduction number 1)

The Geki Sai Kata were formulated by Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1940 as a form of physical exercise for high school boys and to help popularize Goju-Ryu among the public of Okinawa. In 1948, after WWII, Miyagi Sensei began to teach the Geki Sai Kata in depth as a regular part of Goju-Ryu in his own dojo. Until this time, Sanchin was the first Kata taught in Goju-Ryu. Sanchin Kata is physically and mentally a demanding Kata and requires a great deal of time and patience to learn and perform properly. The Geki Sai Kata however are easier to learn and perform, and contain dynamic techniques which are more attractive to young people. These Kata contain the same kanji found in Saifa. This would suggest that even though these Kata were designed primarily as a form of exercise, Miyagi Sensei included his understanding of combat as part of their makeup.

Blue Belt

Gekisai Dai Ni (To destroy introduction number 2)

Purple Belt

Saifa (To smash and tear to pieces)

Saifa is the first of the classical combative Kata taught in Goju-Ryu. Goju-Ryu's Kata origins come from the martial arts taught in the Fuzhou area of southern China, largely Crane and Xingyi/Baqua as well as other internal and external martial arts. Kanryo Higaonna Sensei was taught this Kata, along with the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, while he studied in China from 1863-1881 under the direction of RuRuKo (Xie Zhongxiang in Chinese) and others. These Kata and martial strategies would become the basis of the the quanfa of Higaonna Sensei, which later Miyagi Sensei would call Goju-Ryu. From an understanding of the grappling and striking techniques of this Kata, Saifa can be interpreted to mean grabbing and tearing of tissue in close-quartered combat.

Brown Belt

Bassai Dai (Storming the fortress)

Originally known as "Passai", Bassai-Dai is a good test of the students’ ability to make maximum use of hip movement. This kata is very well suited to those students who can bring out the power this kata portrays when done properly.

Brown Belt + black tip

Jion (Jion-ji temple/Kind and graciousness)

Jion conceals a strong fighting spirit, putting the emphasis on teaching a student how to deal with rotational movements and directional shifts and is a good kata for a strong, powerful student. Jion introduces several new hand techniques and utilises a number of stances, notably zenkutsu dachi, kiba dachi and neko ashi dachi. It is a very commonly used kata in the opening rounds of competitions.

Brown Belt + 2 black tips

Kanku Dai (To view the sky/Gazing skywards)

Kanku Dai was a favourite Kata of Gichin Funakoshi. The Kata was used to create the five Shotokan Heian Kata. The word Kanku means 'Look to (or view) the sky', and comes from the opening sequence where the Karate-ka raises both hands, with finger and thumb of each hand touching to provide a triangular-shaped opening. As both hands are raised, the Karate-ka follows the movement with their eyes (keeping the head still) until the hands are aloft and the sky (or ceiling!) can be clearly seen. By the time this slow movement is complete, the student should achieve a state of inner calm and readiness, in preparation for the rest of the Kata.

Black Belt

Sanchin (Three Battles)

One of two "heishu " Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in all of Karate. In contrast, it is probably the single most valuable training exercise in Goju-Ryu. Like the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin can be found in several Chinese arts (San Jan), particularly the southern styles including four styles of Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Tiger Boxing, Lion Boxing, Dog or Ground Boxing and Monk Fist. Sanchin has such aspects as deep, diaphragmatic breathing found in many internal arts as well as external attributes like mechanical alignment and muscular strength. Because many martial artists have little or no understanding of the true history and nature of the Chinese arts from which Okinawan Goju-Ryu has its roots, Sanchin has become little more than an isometric form performed with dangerous tension and improper breathing techniques.
The original Sanchin that Higaonna Sensei learned from RuRuKo (1852-1930) was performed with open hands and with less emphasis on muscle contraction and "energetic" breathing. With the changes brought about by Emperor Meiji (Meiji Restoration Period 1888-1912), Higaonna Sensei changed the open hands to closed fists as the martial meaning was no longer emphasized. Later Miyagi Sensei would again alter the Kata in pattern alone.
Sanchin translates as "3 Battles" or "3 Conflicts". This has many meanings. First it refers to the struggle to control the body under physical fatigue. With fatigue the mind begins to lose focus and thus the spirit begins to diminish as well. Therefore Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perseverance and other mental attributes. The Chinese refer to this as Shen (spirit), Shin (mind) and Li (body). Another possible interpretation refers to the "Three Burners" of the body as decribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

1st Dan

Seiyunchin (To control, suppress and pull)

The name Seiyunchin implies the use of techniques to off balance, throw and grapple. It is this understanding that imparts the original intentions of the Kata of Naha-te before the sport alignment of modern Karate. Seiyunchin contains close-quartered striking, sweeps, take-downs and throws. Though the Kata itself is void of kicks, many practitioners make the grave mistake by missing the opportunity to apply any leg technique. Though almost invisible to the untrained eye, the subtleness of "ashi barai" and "suri ashi" can represent foot sweeps, parries and traps.

Empi (Flight of the swallow)

The meaning of this kata is 'Flying Swallow' and is also known as Wansu or Wanshu. The name originates from the path of flight the swallow makes, all the changes in height, likewise this kata contains many changes in height from the first block through the gedan strikes and to the 360 degree jump.

2nd Dan

Tensho (Rotating/Turning Palms)

The second "heishu" kata in Goju-Ryu, Tensho is derived from the Chinese form "Rokkishu". Unlike Sanchin, which is almost identical to its Chinese counterpart, Tensho is uniquely Okinawan. From his understanding of the Kata of Goju-Ryu and the "nature of man", Miyagi Sensei developed Tensho to further complete his Goju-Ryu where Sanchin left off. Tensho has many of the same principles of Sanchin but goes further to include more intricate concepts of the techniques of Goju-Ryu. These concepts expressly come alive in kakie, which in advanced training, breathes life into the bunkai of the Kata of Goju-Ryu.
The term "heishu" translates as "closed". As with every aspect of Okinawan Karate, there is more than one definition. First, "heishu" can refer to muscle contraction and "ibuki" style breathing unique to Sanchin and Tensho. Secondly, it can imply the restriction and specific direction of energies within the energy pathways of the body, both superficial and deep. The other 10 Kata are referred to as "kaishu" or "open", as they are free of constant muscle contraction and breathing is "normal".

Sanseru (36 Hands)

Sanseru is unique as Miyagi Sensei studied this Kata under a direct student of RuRuKo during his studies in Fuzhou, China beginning in 1916. Sanseru, from its numerical designation, would seem to have its roots in Buddhism. This is not to infer that there is a religious connection or implication with this Kata or Karate, but simply that Buddhism was a part of the culture of the people of that time. It should also be noted that numbers had a very important role in the language of the more ancient Chinese before the invention of kanji.
A more realistic explanation of this and the other numerically named Kata is that they refer to a systematic method and understanding of certain groupings of vital acupressure points. It is this science that the martial arts was based upon and developed.
Feng Yiquan, who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1522-67) developed this particular method of using variations of "36" forbidden points to defeat his opponents. Other disciples of Feng created other quans expanding the number to 72 and ultimately 108.
Sanseru is found in the following styles of Chinese Boxing: Crane, Tiger, and Dog

Sochin (To preserve the peace)

In Sochin we find grandeur, strength and stable power. So much use is made of the solidly stable rooted stance (fudo dachi) that the stance is often referred to as the Sochin stance. When defence is called for the stance provides a strong basis for resisting attacks from all directions. The characteristics of the kata are manifested best when it is performed slowly, meaning that the muscles are often brought gradually from a state of full relaxation to full tension. Some movements however, require an instantaneous production of muscular power. One of the benefits of the kata is the nurturing of a keen sense of timing that allows repeated attacks without giving the opponent time for a counterattack.

3rd Dan

Shisochin (To destroy in 4 directions)

Shisochin translates as "Four Gates" or "Four Directions of Conflict". To leave it at that discounts a truer understanding. The third kanji is the same found in Sanchin and Seiyunchin, which translates as "battle" or "conflict". This lends to a deeper definition of its meaning. The idea of four directions can come from the performance of the four shotei in four directions. It can also represent the four elements represented in Chinese medicine (Acupuncture is one) of Wood, Fire, Metal and Water with man representing Earth. Since this was the science and culture of that period in China when Higaonna and Miyagi both studied in Fuzhou, it would be a great oversight to discount this aspect as a very probable explanation of the Kata's name and martial intent.

Nijushiho (24 steps)

The origin of Nijushiho is unknown, but it is presumed that it originates from one of the Chinese Dragon styles. Alternating explosive and calm sequences lend it a very distinctive rhythm. Some Okinawan practitioners have likened it to the ebb and flow of the ocean crashing on a beach. This explosion and recession of movement is especially evident in the opening movements. This principle, applied throughout the kata, alludes to an understanding of reception of an attack, and suppression of the attacker in the same motion. Like most good karate, it imparts the important principle of defending and responding in one movement.

4th Dan

Seipai (18 Hands)

Seipai uses many movements that require co-ordination between the hips and hands. It contains many varied techniques. This kata has a number of notable characteristics. For example, circular movements such as furi uchi and uchi uke are performed simultaneously but with different emphasis; Furi uchi swings freely like a whip and uchi uke is performed in a powerful, small movement, but both are with speed. The direction of attack in this kata is not always from a face-to-face position, it also contains attacks from a 45 degree angle as well as attacks where you first sink down and then rise up into the attack. Seipai also contains many hidden techniques and combinations of movements designed to confuse the opponent in combat.

Gojushiho Sho (54 steps)

Gojushiho Sho has its origin in the Phoenix Eye style. Its name derives either from the repetitive movements of a woodpecker pecking a tree-trunk, or from the staggering and hesitant steps of a drunken man. In some styles of karate, there are two versions of this kata - Gojushiho Sho and Gojushiho Dai. An advantage of the two versions of the kata is to better master the difficult techniques presented therein, but not without facing some confusion, for many sequences are the same and others only slightly different. The embusen of both Gojushiho Sho and Gojushiho Dai are nearly identical. Gojushiho Sho begins straight off with a wide variety of advanced techniques and, as such, is highly recommended for study. Gojushiho Dai consists of many advanced open-handed techniques and attacks to the collar bone.
Originally, the names were reversed so that Dai was called Sho, and Sho was called Dai. The name change seems to have happened sometime in the 1960's or 1970's.