Below is a list of kata that are generally expected for each rank at TMAA for adult students from beginning through the first black belt. It does not include kata typically only taught to black belt students, and also does not include some kata that we often teach but do not expect all students to generally know. The expectations for each level also include the expectations for all levels below that one. Exceptions to this list are at the discretion of True sensei; this is general guidance but if you are in doubt of what is expected of you, ask Sensei!
There are of course other expectations for promotion in addition to kata, such as techniques, drills, self-defense capability, and more. Knowing the basic required kata is an important piece, but the real measure of being ready for promotion is when a sensei suggests that you should test.
| belt | rank | kata |
| black | shodan | Bassai, Hangetsu |
| brown + 2 | ikkyu | Rohai, Saifa, (optional) Wanshu |
| brown + 1 | nikyu | Wankan, Shobayashi Ananku |
| brown | sankyu | Matsubayashi Ananku, Naihanchi Nidan |
| blue | yonkyu | Pinan Godan, Sanchin |
| green | gokyu | Pinan Yondan, Naihanchi Shodan |
| green/purple | rokkyu | Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan |
| purple | nanakyu | Pinan Nidan |
| gold | hakkyu | Fukyugata dai ni |
| orange | kukyu | Fukyugata dai ichi |
| white | jikyu | |
| none | mukyu |