Our open-hand kata has its roots in Shuri-te, with the later addition of kata from Naha-te, and Hakutsuru line. The kata are taught in the order below, although both kaishugata* and heishugata* are learned simultaneously.
The core kata are marked [1] - the added kata are marked [2] and were introduced over time by Tamaki sensei.
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]
Wankan [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.
