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Comparative floor-pattern diagram labelled Heian-Pinan Shodan

Pinan Shodan

Pinan Shodan is the first-named Pinan kata in several Karate traditions and is historically related to, but not universally identical with, Heian Shodan.

Gōjū-ryū instructor teaching a group of karate practitioners

Gekisai Dai Ichi

Gekisai Dai Ichi is a modern Gōjū-ryū introductory kata associated with Chōjun Miyagi, with technical details varying among branches.

Historical photograph of Funakoshi Gichin performing Kankū

Kankū Dai

Kankū Dai is a major Shotokan kata related to the wider Kūshankū family, with organisation-specific counts, rhythm and technical detail.

Diagram of a Wadō-ryū Seishan-dachi stance

Seisan

Seisan is a widely transmitted Karate kata name covering distinct Gōjū-ryū, Uechi-ryū, Wadō and other versions rather than one universal sequence.

Illustration of a karate practitioner in a wide laterally oriented stance

Naihanchi Shodan

Naihanchi Shodan is a lateral-pattern Okinawan Karate kata related to, but not universally identical with, Shotokan Tekki Shodan.

Competitor performing kata at the 2026 European Karate Championships

Bassai Dai

Bassai Dai is a widely transmitted Karate kata whose Shotokan, Shitō-ryū and other versions share a name but not one fixed performance.

Karate practitioner performing a Sanchin posture indoors

Sanchin

Sanchin is a central kata in several Naha-linked and Uechi-ryū traditions, with distinct versions of posture, breathing and tension.

Diagram of a Heian Shodan floor pattern with directional arrows

Heian Shodan

Heian Shodan is the first-named Heian kata in many Shotokan syllabuses, but sequence, count and teaching emphasis remain organisation-specific.

Jigoro Kano and Sumiyuki Kotani demonstrating a Judo technique in London in 1933

Japanese Martial Arts Lineage Map

A selective visual map connecting classical Jujutsu, Kodokan Judo, Aikido, Okinawan Karate, and later international grappling pathways.

Two Sambo athletes in red and blue jackets grappling during the 2015 European Games

Sambo

Sambo is a Soviet-developed martial art and combat sport shaped by Judo, regional wrestling traditions, and organised self-defence training.