This page will help you to learn the Goju-Ryu katas so you can get ready for your next belt test. However, if you have any questions about a particular kata movement, please check with your instructor because kata instructions and the order of katas can vary by school and organization. Students should also know Goju-Ryu kata meanings as this is often part of a belt test.
There are 12 official “core” katas for Goju-Ryu. However, the Sanchin kata is occasionally separated into two katas by some schools. Therefore, people are sometimes confused and think there are 13 Goju-Ryu katas. In addition, some Goju-Ryu schools and organizations borrow katas from other styles and they might use more than the official 12 katas. For the katas of other Karate styles (i.e. Shotokan Kata), please visit the main Katas & Forms section.
Taikyoku Kata – Click on pages below for kata videos and/or written instructions
- Goju-Ryu Kata – Taikyoku Gedan – First Cause Lower Level
- Goju-Ryu Kata – Taikyoku Chudan – First Cause Middle Level
- Goju-Ryu Kata – Taikyoku Jodan – First Cause Upper Level
- Goju-Ryu Kata – Taikyoku Kake Uke – First Cause Hooking Block
- Goju-Ryu Kata – Taikyoku Mawashi Uke – First Cause Roundhouse Block
List of Main Goju-Ryu Katas – Click on pages below for kata videos and/or written instructions
- Gekisai Dai Ichi
- Gekisai Dai Ni
- Saifa
- Seiyunchin
- Sepai
- Shisochin
- Sanseiru
- Kururunfa
- Seisan
- Suparinpei
- Sanchin
- Tensho
Reasons for Kata
Many Goju-Ryu Karate schools use these katas in order to help students practice certain moves (i.e. kicking techniques, self-defense techniques and various strikes). In addition, kata is used to improve a student’s physical conditioning, muscle memory, focus/concentration, balance, etc. You should also read our section on Is Kata Useful or Useless? It discusses the pros & cons of kata.
Miyagi Chojun (Goju-Ryu Founder)
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons via its Creative Commons license