Pinan Shodan
This kata helps movements become stable, efficient, and intimidating. The first technique, "c block", sets up for a redirection. Even the sword hand blocks can become attacks.
*****
Pinan Nidan
This kata instructs further on timing, distance management, body shifting, consistency of stances, and redirection of attack. The first half may be interpreted in various ways. When practicing Pinan Nidan, imagine perceiving an opponent's intent and counter-attacking quickly.
*****
Pinan Sandan
This kata teaches a continuous guard. It also helps become less predictable, and more efficient. The middle low blocks in the beginning may be termed "continuous block", which may be interpreted in many ways. The turn after the spearhand strike, and follow-up with the outward tetsui, is twisting out of the opponent's grappling of your arm, and countering.

The use of the elbows in naihanchi dachi may be either strikes or strong blocks. This may be interpreted in many ways in close quarters. The last moves of the kata may be seen as elbowing to both the back and front, breaking rear grapples with an elbow to each opponent's abdomen and a hook to the face, or a powerful hook to an opponent in front.
*****
Pinan Yodan
Stepping into a back stance as you double block disrupts the opponent's movement, as you simultaneously block and counter. Blocking behind you immediately after the initial blocks cuts a sneak attack short. The low block, front snap kick, and elbow combination will block, stumble, and knock out an opponent. The sequence after the second elbow assists in learning how to follow through with attacks, and helps practice economy of motion.

The cross-block that begins the second half of the kata counters a grab attempt. Pulling the hand back as you kick may be interpreted as trapping the opponent's arm under yours, and pulling him/her into a kick to the groin.
*****
Pinan Godan
The high cross block sets up for an arm lock, tetsui, and finishing punch. The jump ends with a strike to a fallen opponent. The palm strikes followed by pulling motions represent attacking the groin and causing severe trauma to it.
*****
Kushanku
The Pinan kata help one understand Kushanku, as there are many similarities. The ready phase of Kushanku clears the mind. The slow motions may often be used as blocks and/or attacks, but it is preferable to perform them slowly for breathing and focus. Practice consistency in stances, torque, and momentum in this kata. Kushanku provides endless insight, and helps greatly in the study of other advanced kata.

In the second half, the sequence that ends with a punch to the ground represents blocking a kick, throwing the opponent, and knocking him/her out. The next sequence blocks and throws an opponent, then jumps over him/her to kick another, and follows through with a finishing strike. The last sequence is a takedown with a knockout blow.
*****
Naihanchi
Naihanchi develops lower body strength. It also teaches one to settle all one's strength in the abdomen/center and draw from it. The methods employed in Naihanchi are best applied and
interpreted in a narrow space.
*****
Bassai
Bassai builds a stronger, more efficient defense. The first two middle blocks may be seen as a kick counter and takedown; the backfists near the end may also be used this way by performing scooping blocks to set up for the attacks. The crescent kick redirects an attack, so as to set up for the elbow strike. After the elbow is 3 sets of double strikes to counter a rear grapple attempt.
*****
Wanshu
Wanshu, like Bassai, is technical and efficient, but is of a more aggressive nature. It is also a study in timing and follow-through. Stepping into side stance as you set up for a low block may be seen as body shifting to dodge an attack, as you move in to punch the opponent. The jump represents stomping on a downed opponent while preparing to block an attack from another.
*****
Jion
Jion is very direct, yet powerful, stable, and technical. Its use of stances will greatly assist your footwork. Remember, the physical side of fighting is done from the ground up.

The first technique may be considered as a striking block, and its uses are numerous. Compare this to Pinan Sandan. The low block and middle block in back stance sequence sets up for a pulling block and punch counter. Performing low block in back stance, then a supported backfist in jigotsu dachi may represent blocking a low punch, then sweeping a kick.
*****

Overview:
Aside from the dojo precepts, kata is traditionally Karate-do's primary tool for personal development. It is the textbook of Karate-do that is to be learned, understood, and applied. It is the tool by which Karate-do demonstrates fighting principles, but also creates unity in one's body, mind, and soul.

What may seem unnatural motions become second nature with training and practice. Kata assists in drilling good habits, and replacing bad ones. Once the techniques have been absorbed, patterns, principles, and body mechanics may be understood. The "art" of "martial art" is understanding these underlying ideas, that guide techniques and give them meaning. A technique is not just a strike or block, but also the factors necessary for those to work (timing, movement, and so forth). By practicing kata, and drilling "bunkai", you will learn to apply principles with no extra "clutter".

The fighting principles, when well applied, will work in many situations. Awareness and defensive principles help avoid, assess, or diffuse encounters. The search for unity means we should use lethal force as a last resort. The key is to move last, but hit first. In this way, there is no first strike in karate, but we meet force with a passive counter. Look for new ways to interpret kata - many secrets may be found...or created.

Mentally, kata teaches focus, and attention to all angles. One must cut through disclarity of mind to understand kata, and with this a growing process takes place. You will find bunkai where you did not before, as you imagine the problems the kata creators faced. This problem solving that kata teaches is invaluable. It balances the mind and grounds it to a reality that is still unpredictable, yet enriched by clearer understanding.

Physically, kata enforces proper use of body structure. It also strengthens the muscles through natural body weight exercises. Practiced vigorously, kata improves cardiovascular efficiency. Kata is therapeutic and empowering.

Spiritually, kata provides a path of self awareness. In practicing or even creating new kata, one builds resolve. In aiming for mastery, one builds patience. In either, one has to continually search in and outside of themselves, that one may learn how to apply the truths contained within kata.

The author teaches Wado ryu Karate and runs a martial arts, video games, and anime store. For more information about Karate and the martial arts, please visit the Johnston Wado ryu Karate Forums.