Karate Kata & Bunkai Videos for Download or free streaming Based on training in Japan
Styles & Kata? The founders of the modern styles (Funakoshi founder of Shotokan, Mabuni of Shito-ryu and Miyagi of Goju) all practiced together as late as the 1920s and shared the same sensei from which they learnt the kata.
Therefore, as most modern, and past Karate masters preach - there is no "style" difference between kata bunkai (kata applications). Each style may have a slight stylistic pattern difference for a given move but the underlying function and key points are the same regardless of the superficial differences. Kata Videos include: Seienshin, Seipai, Annanko, Taikyoku/Juni no kata ichiban, Pinan (Heian) Shodan, Pinan (Heian) Nidan, Pinan (Heian) Sandan, Pinan (Heian) Yondan, Pinan (Heian) Godan, Sanshin, Bassai dai, Matsukaze, Roku empi, Gassho, Unshu (Unsu), Jion, Naifanchin (Tekki Shodan), Rohai, & Jiin, Chinto (Gankaku) and Sochin. Note: We don't share your email address with anyone!
The content on this site focuses on Kata patterns & bunkai. The patterns are performed with Shotokan and Shito-ryu lineage (e.g. Shukokai, Shitokai, Renbukan & other Shito-ryu styles) and bunkai are explained which include Shito-Ryu, Goju-ryu and Shotokan.
The primary instructor for the online kata video downloads, Jason Armstrong, Ph.D. (6th Dan) has lived and trained with a master in Japan and has more than 20 years experience teaching karate in Japan, the USA and Australia. He also worked at CEO level in Corporate Japan.
Shotokan Kata are demonstarted by senpai Sean Danaher (3rd dan).
Video 21, Kata Origins & Karate History: A discussion of Kata and key issues. (12 min, 15MB)
Kata origins and sample bunkai: This is the free kata sample video (click the link in the top right grey bar to download) and provides a discussion of kata and key isssues around its practice. This free sample includes footage of Unshu (Unsu), Annanko, Bassai Dai and relates kata history across Shotokan, Shito-ryu and Goju-ryu. Kata motions represented are as taught by Master Sotokawa, 8th Dan in Japan (he was accredited with his sandan rank under a panel with mabuni sensei himself, the founder of Shito-ryu). Renbukan Shito-ryu is also discussed in brief. Some bunkai is included covering Annanko, Seipai, Pinan kata, Taikyoku kata and explanations of upper "X-block".
The host instructor for the online kata video donwloads is Jason Armstrong, Ph.D.. He has lived in Japan with a master and has more than 20 years experience (he holds 6th Dan). He has also worked at CEO levels in corporate Japan so he has a strong undrsatnding of Japanese culture.
Video 22, Pinan Shodan & Heian Nidan (16 mins)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions are presented. Kata video on the pattern plus selected bunkai. Kata is performed fast, and at a slow walk through pace. The kanji for the Pinan (Heian) kata represent "peace and tranquility". Pinan Shodan is the first kata in the series of 5 Pinan ( 2nd in the Shotokan, or Heian series) kata. These kata were created by Sensei Itosu in Okinawa. The passage of the kata to Japan occurred via Mabuni sensei (founder of Shito-ryu) who took them first to the Kansai region of Japan. The kata also emerged in Tokyo via Funakoshi sensei (who renamed them "Heian" - a Japanese pronounciation). From a number of researchers it appears that Funaksohi sensei learnt the kata from interactions with Mabuni sensei.
Video 23, Pinan Nidan & Heian Shodan (8 mins)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions are presented. Kata video on the pattern plus selected bunkai. Kata is performed fast, and at a slow walk through pace. The kanji for the Pinan (Heian) kata represent "peace and tranquility". These kata were created by Sensei Itosu in Okinawa. The passage of the kata to Japan occurred via Mabuni sensei (founder of Shito-ryu) who took them first to the Kansai region of Japan. The kata also emerged in Tokyo via Funakoshi sensei (who renamed them "Heian" - a Japanese pronounciation). From a number of researchers it appears that Funaksohi sensei learnt the kata from interactions with Mabuni sensei.
Video 24, Pinan Sandan & Heian Sandan (approx. 11 min)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions are presented. Kata video on the pattern plus selected bunkai. Kata is performed fast, and at a slow walk through pace. The kanji for the Pinan (Heian) kata represent "peace and tranquility". These kata were created by Sensei Itosu in Okinawa. The passage of the kata to Japan occurred via Mabuni sensei (founder of Shito-ryu) who took them first to the Kansai region of Japan. The kata also emerged in Tokyo via Funakoshi sensei (who renamed them "Heian" - a Japanese pronounciation). From a number of recent karate history researchers it appears that Funaksohi sensei learnt the kata from interactions with Mabuni sensei.
Video 25, Pinan Yondan and Heian Yondan (8mins)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions are presented. Kata video on the pattern plus selected bunkai. Kata is performed fast, and at a slow walk through pace. The kanji for the Pinan (Heian) kata represent "peace and tranquility". These kata were created by Sensei Itosu in Okinawa. The passage of the kata to Japan occurred via Mabuni sensei (founder of Shito-ryu) who took them first to the Kansai region of Japan. The kata also emerged in Tokyo via Funakoshi sensei (who renamed them "Heian" - a Japanese pronounciation). From a number of researchers it appears that Funaksohi sensei learnt the kata from interactions with Mabuni sensei.
Video 26, Pinan Godan & Heian Gondan (8 mins)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions are presented. Kata video on the pattern plus selected bunkai. Kata is performed fast, and at a slow walk through pace. The kanji for the Pinan (Heian) kata represent "peace and tranquility". These kata were created by Sensei Itosu in Okinawa. The passage of the kata to Japan occurred via Mabuni sensei (founder of Shito-ryu) who took them first to the Kansai region of Japan. The kata also emerged in Tokyo via Funakoshi sensei (who renamed them "Heian" - a Japanese pronounciation). From a number of researchers it appears that Funaksohi sensei learnt the kata from interactions with Mabuni sensei.
Video 27, Unshu & Unsu (approx. 20 min)
The Shotokan version is called "Unsu" while the Shito-ryu versions uses the kata's original name "Unsu". Translation of kanji is "Cloud Hands". Three versions of the Kata are presented in this video online including the Mabuni family line style of Shito-ryu (Seito Shito-ryu), the tournament style shito-ryu version and the Shotokan pattern. Selected bunkai are also shown.
This kata was created by Mabuni Kenwa (founder of Shito-ryu). Translation of the kanji is "Wind in the Pines". Kata video online of pattern is reviewed plus selected bunkai.
Video 29, Sanchin (approx. 11min)
This is a slow breathing kata. Translation of kanji is "3 battles stance". Kata video online of pattern is reviewed.
Video 30, Roku Empi and Taikyoku Kata (Juni no kata ichiban) (5 min 30 sec. 7.7MB)
The kata roku empi was created by Mabuni Sensei. The Translation of kanji is "Six elbows". Kata video download of pattern is reviewed plus selected bunkai. Also taught is Taikyoku (Juni kata) typically teh most basic grading kata for many martial arts styles.
Video 31, Seienchin (approx. 18min)
Translation of kanji is "Calm in the storm". The Kata is performed fast and slow at different angles and includes a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner. Kata video download of Seienchin.
Translation of kanji is "Light from the South". The Kata is performed fast and slow at different angles and includes a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner. The Kata has its origins in Taiwan before moving to Japan/Okinawa.
Video 33, Bassai Dai (approx. 14 min)
Shotokan and Shito-ryu versions are included. Translation of kanji is "To storm a fortress". The Kata is performed fast and slow at different angles and includes a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner.
Translation of kanji is "18 Hands". The Kata is performed fast and slow at different angles and includes a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner. Download Kata Video of Seipai.
Named after the Zen monk greeting posture. This Download Kata Video pattern is reviewed at full speed and step by step. The Kata is performed fast and slow at different angles and includes a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner. Also on this video is Chinto (which is named gankaku in some styles like Shotokan).
Video 36, Sochin (Shito-ryu version) (approx. 13min)
The Shito-ryu versions of this kata was adapted from the Okinawan version taught by Arkaki (Sells, Unate ISBN0910704961). The Shotokan kata "sochin" is a completely different kata unrelated ot the Okinawan and Shito-ryu versions with the same name. The kata is most likely Chinese in origin and the name can be translated to "Monks of Peace".
Video 37, Jion and Naifanchin (Tekki Shodan) (approx. 13min)
Shotokan & Shito-ryu versions oif these two kata are represneted on this video file: Jion (temple sound) and Naifanchin (Tekki Shodan). The Kata are performed fast and slow with walk through of pattern. Selected bunkai are also included. Thanks to Senpai Shawn Danaher, 3rd Dan Shotokan and Senpai Nick Lukich, 3rd Dan Shito-ryu & Sensei Jason Armstrong, 6th Dan Shito-ryu for the video footage.
(note: the 1 hour Jion seminar video is a separate product to the brief video on Jion which comes with the 19 kata files)
Video 38, Rohai and Jiin 9min (12.5MB)
Two kata are represneted on this video file: Rohai and Jiin. The meaning of Rohai is(vision of a white heron). The meaning of Jiin is (Temple Ground). These Kata are performed fast and slow at different angles and include a slow walk through of the pattern. Selected bunkai are also included with a partner.
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Kata Video Online: patterns and bunkai (application) Kata included are: Seienshin, Seipai, Annanko, Taikyoku/Juni no kata ichiban, Pinan/Heian Shodan, Pinan/Heian Nidan, Pinan/Heian Sandan, Pinan/Heian Yondan, Pinan/Heian Godan, Sanshin, Bassai dai, Matsukaze, Roku empi, Gassho, Unshu, Jion, Naifanchin/Tekki Shodan, Rohai, Sochin & Jiin
Shotokan kata are represented by Senpai Shawn Danaher (a sandan at filming time). Shihan Jason (6th Dan) has a core in shito-ryu but while living in Japan made an effort to visit and study in other styles dojos - a reflection on this also exists in the kata video files. One of sensei in Japan that Dr. Armstrong was exposed to was 8th Dan Sotokawa sensei who has a direct line back to Mabuni Kenwa sensei (Sotokawa sensei's 3rd Dan was issued under a Mabuni Kenwa testing panel). Therefore, the shito-ryu kata videos reflect very closely what Mabuni sensei taught. Sotokawa sensei was head of Renbukan for a number of years and lived in Himeji (the Kansai district of Japan). The host instructor for the online kata video downloads, Dr. Jason Armstrong, has lived and trained with a master in Japan and has more than 20 years experience teaching karate in Japan, the USA and Australia. He also worked at CEO level in Corporate Japan.
A Sample Free kata video for download is available by clicking on the links at the top of each course page, or by clicking free karate video icons on the side of screen ("kata" - free kata video download, "Japan Training" - free karate video download on training in Japan series, and "Self Defense" free karate video for beginners).
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