"The Shito-Ryu Karate system is built on 23 basic forms or katas. The individual stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, take downs, and throwing techniques are contained within the following katas. The student is expected to study and practice each kata thousands of times in order to obtain proficiency and understanding in movement and in method. Once the movements become part of the student's nature, the techniques can be extracted and applied in free sparring which is an integral part of training."