Japanese Katas

YouTube Channels

Heian Series

Shotokan Sensei

Kanasawa

Ecole Bresse Karate (Slow)

Pinan Shodan performed by Neil Pottinger

Jion Kata

Seienchin Kata

Empi (or Enpi) Kata

Unsu Kata

Gojushiho Sho / Dai Kata

Sochin Kata

Chinto / Gankaku Kata

Niseishi (Shito Ryu) *

Nijushiho (Shotokan) *

Heian Yondan *

Kanku Dai

Bassai Dai

Other Japanese Katas

Online books

Kata / Bunkai Terminology

From https://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/different-terms-used-bunkai:

There is the analysing part (Bunkai/Bunseki) and then there is the practical part (Oyo).

Omote and Ura are two sides to the same medal in the japanese culture. Omote is the obvious and Ura is the hidden introverted side.

When you can apply a technique superficially only in a certain situation it is Omote and when you understand the principles an you can apply them in any situation that is Ura.

Henka means change, variation or diversion. So here you change the Omote form of a technique. For example when there is a Tsuki-technique to Chudan level you simply change the level to Jodan or Gedan.

[However,] to western ears [these terms] rarely leads to clarity. The cover all term of “bunkai” is what I use these days with the various aspects and subsections being explained in plain English.

Also see Enkamp: Karate Bunkai: 3 Levels of Kata Application (Omote, Ura, Honto)

Miscellaneous Kata Videos

These are not our style, but I think you can learn about how to improve your katas by watching them:

Miscellaneous Videos

Other videos from which you can learn about how to improve your katas by watching them:

Videos of Karate Competitors

Random Notes

On the applicability of kata

"When there are no avenues of escape or one is caught even before any attempt to escape can be made, then for the first time the use of self-defense techniques should be considered. Even at times like these, do not show any intention of attacking, but first let the attacker become careless. At that time attack him concentrating one's whole strength in one blow to a vital point and in the moment of surprise, escape and seek shelter and help." – Gichin Funakoshi