6 Principles of Kata (Kata no Rokugensoku):

• Ikitakata: Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose
• Inen: Kata must be performed with Spirit
• Chikara no Kyojaku: Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.
• Waza no Kankyu: Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
• Kisoku no Donto: Kata must be done with a proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale and exhale.
• Balance: Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of kata.