KATA (FORMS)
Kata is a Japanese term which literally means model or pattern. While this is a complex topic, essentially kata are a series of moves done the same each time which fight off multiple imaginary attackers. They combine the elements of stances, blocks and strikes with the concepts of power, flow, and timing. They challenge the student's mental focus and awareness, balance, endurance, and more. Kata go by other names such as Forms, Poomse, Hyung, and many others. As an American style with its roots and influences in traditional Korean, Japanese, American, and Chinese formats, our school performs kata from all four of these countries. Colored Belts in our style first learn the 8 Pal-Gwe and Kicho (traditional Korean forms from Mudokwan). Higher ranks learn forms originating in Japan, America, and China. Below is a list of kata taught in the Empty Hand style, American Eagle Style. Different forms are taught in the other styles offered by our school such as Iaido, Cane, and Kendo. See those sections of our website for more information. All of the kata listed below are documented in the American Eagle Style Instructional Textbook, 3rd edition, and many are also found on DVD at our main location. These serve as reference materials for our instructors and students to maintain the consistency of the style.
American Eagle Style Forms
Basic Kata 1, 2, and 3 (Kicho)
Pal-Gwe 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Chulgi 1, 2, 3
Old Koryo
New Koryo
Eye of the Eagle
Heian 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Geum Gang
Chip-Su
Taebaek
Bassai Dai
Chip Jang
American Eagle
Pyongwon
Long Hand
Aoyangi (male and female versions)
Continuity 2
Hookiyu
Sil Lum
Simplicity
Hansoo
Bassai Sho
Cheongwon
Gekisai
Hwarang Hyung
So San Hyung
Se Jong Hyung
Arena
Open Hand
Tong Il Hyung
Guantlet
Wind
Unity
Resonance
Trilogy
Extension Tool Forms ("Weapons")
Tonfa: Yom Chi, Swirling Dragon
Bo: Basic Bo Kata, Summer Storm, Sushi no Kon Sho
Sai: Silver Claw, Tsukenshitaku no Sai
Kama: Kanegawa no nichigama
Sword: Dragon's Tooth (traditional iaido kata are taught in our Iaido classes...see that section of our site for those forms)
Escrima: Dragon Wings
Cane: Natural Walk, Autumn Wind (traditional cane kata are taught in our cane classes...see that section of our site for those forms)
Naginata: Omou
Eku: Kihon no Kata
Shinai: Falcon Stoop (done by Americanize Eagle Kendo style classes)
Historically taught by this school: Manriki (general flow, no formal form) This extension tool may not be currently offered.