There are 26 Shotokan Katas.
Basic Katas
The first five katas that Shotokan practitioners learn are the basic Heian Katas.
1. Heian Shodan
2. Heian Nidan
3. Heian Sandan
4. Heian Yondan
5. Heian Godan.
Advanced Katas
The World Karate Federation (WKF) allows karate practitioners to perform any of the other 21 advanced Shotokan Katas.
1. Bassai-Dai
2. Bassai-Sho
3. Kanku-Dai
4. Kanku-Sho
5. Tekki-Shodan
6. Tekki-Nidan
7. Tekki-Sandan
8. Hangetsu
9. Jitte
10. Enpi
11. Gankaku
12. Jion
13. Sochin
14. Nijushiho Sho
15. Goju Shiho-Dai
16. Goju Shiho-Sho
17. Chinte
18. Unsu
19. Meikyo
20. Wankan
21. Jiin
The Most Difficult Kata
One of the favourite and most difficult Shotokan Katas performed worldwide is Unsu. To perform Unsu well, a karate practitioner requires impeccable balance, strength and kime (concentration of power). The 360 degree jump and spins on one leg have made unsu a favourite kata to be performed at competitions and in Dan gradings.
