Expert: James Copple - 12/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi
In International kata competition how many katas one has to do as individual and what are the kata names?


Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Usually the judges choose Heian kata at random in the eliminations and then it's kata of choice in the semi finals and finals.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for reply
i wanted to know which heian kata, nidan godan sandan shodan?

Answer
If you are a 4th kyu or higher (i.e. you have learned Heian Godan) then it could be any.  If you are a 5th kyu, anything up to Heian Yondan. 6th kyu, anything up to Heian Sandan, etc etc. So you won't be asked to do a kata you have not been taught provided the judges know what grade you are.  They usually have a pack of 5 cards with the numbers 1-5 on them, and they shuffle them in their hands and pull one out at random and show it to you so you know which one to do.  If they know you don't know 4 & 5 (for example), they'll take 4 & 5 out of the pack and pick a random card from 1,2 or 3.  I hope it's clear now!
-James