What Do the Directions and Turns in Kata Really Mean?

There are several prevalent myths regarding the meaning of turns and changes in direction in kata. For example, some believe that the embusen (pattern) of the Naihanchi kata is a straight line, suggesting that the kata was designed to simulate a fight on a boat or on a narrow mountain road by the sea, with one’s back against the mountainside. Others claim that the Shisochin kata‘s movements in four directions represent a scenario where the practitioner is fighting against four different opponents at once. This post will explore these myths and offer possible interpretations of the significance of turns and direction in kata.

1. To Accommodate Small Training Space

One reason for the turns in kata is to accommodate limited training spaces. In the past, karate was often practiced in small private spaces, such as courtyards or gardens, which did not have large, uninterrupted floors for long, linear movements. As a result, the inclusion of turns in kata allowed practitioners to perform the full set of movements and techniques within the confines of a smaller area.

This adaptation is still relevant today. Even modern dojos typically don’t have large enough spaces to accommodate a relatively large number of students performing a kata together which generally have around 20–30 techniques.

2. To Allow Practitioners to Practice Both Sides of the Body

Turns were incorporated to some kata to ensure that certain techniques are repeated and performed equally with both the dominant and non-dominant sides, helping to develop balance, coordination, and ambidexterity.

This is particularly important because, in a real self-defense or combat situation, a practitioner may need to switch sides quickly, and having equal proficiency on both sides increases overall effectiveness. In addition, practicing both sides promotes symmetry in movement, strengthens the body evenly, and helps prevent muscular imbalances.

Therefore, just because a kata involves turning in four different directions (e.g. Shisochin), it doesn’t mean you’re fighting against four opponents at once. In kata, my understanding is you’re always fighting against one invisible opponent. The turns in the Shisochin kata are simply there to help you practice the same techniques on both sides of the body.

3. To Position Yourself Appropriately Against an Opponent

From a practical perspective, real-life combat situations are often unpredictable and require constant movement and rapid changes in direction. The turns in kata may simulate the need to pivot to respond to an opponent from a particular direction or to reposition to effectively deal with a particular self-defense scenario.

For instance, moving at 45-degree angles could represent either responding to an attack from this angle or adjusting your position relative to an opponent, allowing you to evade an attack while simultaneously preparing for a counterstrike.

Similarly, shifting sideways may reflect the need to get out of the opponent’s attack line, to reposition in order to strike an opponent who is now off-center, or to close the distance and enter the effective range to deliver a counterattack. [1]

Kenwa Mabuni Sensei (1889 – 1952), the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate, addressed the meaning of directions in kata in his 1938 book Karatedo Nyumon (Introduction to Karate-Do, translated by Joe Swift). He explained:

The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood, and frequently mistakes are made in the interpretation of kata movements. In extreme cases, it is sometimes heard that ‘this kata moves in 8 directions so it is designed for fighting 8 opponents’ or some such nonsense. I would like to specifically address this issue now.

Looking at the embusen for Pinan Nidan, one can see that karate kata move in all directions, forward and back, left and right. When interpreting kata, one must not get too caught up in these directions. For example, do not fall into the trap of thinking that just because a kata begins to the left that the opponent is always attacking from the left. There are two ways of looking at this:

1 – The kata is defending against an attack from the left.

2 – Angle to the left against a frontal attack.

At first glance, both of these seem reasonable. However, looking at only number (1), the meaning of the kata becomes narrow, and the kata, which in reality must be able to be applied freely in any given situation, becomes awfully meager in its application.

Looking at a specific example, the five Pinan kata all start to the left, and then repeat the same movements to the right.

Looking at interpretation number (1), the opponent must always attack from the left, and while fighting that opponent, another comes up from behind, so the defender turns to fight the new opponent. This type of interpretation is highly unreasonable.

Looking at interpretation number (2) however, the 5 Pinan kata show us that against an attack from the front, we can utilize tai-sabaki (body shifting) to evade to either the left or the right to put ourselves in the most advantageous position to defend ourselves.

Kenwa Mabuni

Although the directions in kata can sometimes have specific meanings, Kenwa Mabuni Sensei’s explanation encourages us to avoid taking kata movements too literally, such as assuming that a particular direction corresponds to a specific opponent.

Instead, kata movements represent general principles and adaptable strategies, not fixed scenarios. They are designed to teach key techniques and principles such as timing, positioning, and body movement that can be applied in a variety of combat situations.

Perhaps beginners are more likely to visualize specific bunkai or applications when practicing kata, but advanced practitioners will, instead, focus on understanding the underlying principles behind the movements, allowing them to apply these principles freely and appropriately in combats.

4. Turns May Represent Grappling Techniques

Another possible reason for the inclusion of turns in kata is that they could represent grappling techniques, such as leg sweeps and takedowns, which often require shifts in body weight together with changes in direction and strategic positioning.

Grappling techniques such as sweeps, throws, and takedowns rely heavily on the practitioner’s ability to manipulate their own body mechanics while simultaneously controlling or unbalancing the opponent. Many kata incorporate movements that mimic these actions, even if not explicitly labeled as grappling techniques. Examples of these can be found in many kata, for example, Gekisai Dai Ichi, Saifa and Seiyunchin.

5. Mastering Technique and Balance

Although this may not have been the primary intention of the masters who created kata, the turns in kata also challenge practitioners to maintain proper posture, stances, and balance, even while changing direction. This is crucial for delivering strong, effective techniques throughout the kata performance. And, ultimately, mastering turning and changing direction in kata practice will translate to strong and effective techniques in combats when the practitioner’s body is in motion.

6. To Allow Instructors to View Techniques from Different Angles

This is entirely my speculation and I could be wrong but I’ll present the idea anyway. While the primary purposes of turns in kata include accommodating limited space, positioning appropriately during combat, developing ambidexterity, and refining balance, transitions, and body mechanics, it is also plausible that the inclusion of turns allows instructors to view techniques from different angles. This would enable them to better assess a student’s performance and provide more accurate feedback, instruction, and corrections for further improvement.

Conclusion

The directions and turns in kata are not arbitrary movements, but purposeful elements designed to serve a range of practical and training functions. While there are some myths such as fighting multiple opponents or simulating specific combat terrains, a closer examination reveals that they help practitioners develop ambidexterity, allowing them to practice techniques on both sides, which is vital for real-world self-defense situations. Furthermore, these movements mirror the need to adapt and reposition during combat, teaching practitioners how to take down, maintain control, evade, and counterattack. The turns can also improve technique, balance, and body mechanics, while accommodating limited training space. Finally, the inclusion of turns possibly may also serve a more practical purpose in helping instructors view a student’s performance from different angles, ensuring effective feedback and improvement.