Shoden Seitei Kata 初伝制定形

The Shoden Seitei Kata are the beginning kata of the Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei. They are oriented towards teaching basic techniques and are used for tameshigiri. These are the first kata most students learn, but the fundamentals they represent are good for all students. If you feel you have mastered these kata, then your attitude has put you at the limit of what you can learn. Face each kata with the heart of a novice, and there will always be something to learn.

Shoden Seitei Kata Overview

Rōmaji	Kanji	Rōmaji	Kanji
Ippon Me	一本目	Hidari Kesa / Migi Kesa	左袈裟 /右袈裟
Nihon Me	二本目	Hidari Kesa / Gyaku Kesa	左袈裟 /逆袈裟
Sambon Me	三本目	Hidari Kesa / Suihei	左袈裟 /水平
Yonhon Me	四本目	Hidari Kesa / Migi Kesa / Gyaku Kesa	左袈裟 /右袈裟 /逆袈裟
Gohon Me	五本目	Rokudan Giri	六段斬

Group Kata

Group kata is performed by multiple people at the same time. It is the normal type of kata done during classes. Group kata are lead by a senior who sets the pace for the kata.

Never get ahead of those senior to yourself
Attempt to keep up with those senior to yourself
Base your timing on the most senior student performing the kata
The most senior student should be especially careful about timing
Maintain awareness of those around you at all times
The entire group should try to keep synchronized for demonstrations

Individual Kata

Individual kata is performed for testing and demonstrations. The pace is very important since most people have a tendency to go too fast. Kata speed is slower than reality to allow proper form to build muscle memory.

Students should show proper timing and keep from speeding up
Students at nidan and above can show individual interpretation of kata timing

Formal Presentations

Formal kata presentations are done for demonstrations and competitions. They should show the practitioners skill, control, and composure.

Mentally prepare yourself before entering the presentation area
The katana should be carried but a wakizashi may be worn if appropriate for rank and situation.
Walk formally into the presentation area to your starting position
- Walk in straight orthogonal lines
- Keep your feet on the ground
- Do not raise the toes
- Stop and make turns by rotating in place
- Walk with your katana in your right hand with your thumb on the saya
- Maintain a low center of gravity
- Keep your back straight
Always perform kata towards the front of the room. This may be the audience for a demonstration or the judges for a competion.
The first bow is to judges / class / audience
- 15 degrees deep
- Straight back
The second bow is to the spiritual center of room. This may be a kamidana, American/Japanese flags, or a VIP table.
- Rotate the katana in the right hand
- Kissaki of sword is to center in front of right foot.
- Respectful 30 degrees deep
- Longer than first bow
- Straight back
Third bow is to your sword
- Rotate the katana back to the normal position
- Sword is at eye level
- Cover kogiri with hand
- Keep sword up while bowing
Put your katana in obi
- Use thumb to separate obi
- Hand stays on obi while inserting sword
- Focus yourself on a distant point and do not look down
Perform all kata
Remove katana from obi
Repeat bow to your sword
Repeat bow the spiritual center of room
Repeat bow to judges / class / audience
Walk formally out of the presentation area

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Shoden Seitei Kata 初伝 制定形

Shoden Seitei Kata Overview

Group Kata

Individual Kata

Formal Presentations

Shoden Seitei Kata 初伝制定形