INYO - the active and passive (Yin & Yang).  There can be no soft without hard and no hard without soft.  The movements of the Kata must compliment each other.
	CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU - the method of using (Chikara) physical strength properly in relation to each technique and movement in the Kata.
	CHIIKARA - while "Chikara" is a Japanese term and denotes the physical strength of a person, the Okinawan term "Chiikara" refers to the application of internal strength or energy (Ki) developed from the intrinsic movements of the Kata.  This element takes many years to accomplish and will only be visible to another who has reached this level.
	WAZA NO KANKYU - speed in relation to movement.  The application of the proper speed for each movement and position in the Kata.
	TAI NO SHINSHUKU - the degree of expansion (relaxation) or contraction (tension) of the body in each movement and position in the Kata.  Perfection of this element will allow one the ability to deliver multiple, explosive and extremely accurate techniques.
	KOKYU - breath control in relation to the posture and movement in the Kata.  Many Kata make use of unique methods of breath control to accomplish specific goals in karate.  Some of the goals are:  increased awareness due to increased oxygen supply and decreased carbon dioxide, increased speed, increased tension, hardening of the body.  Methods of causing the body to settle (root itself to the ground) or relax (enabling the body to become airborne with the use of powerful jumping methods).
	TYAKUGAN - target awareness in the Kata.  All techniques are to be executed with a specific target in mind.  It has been said "A weak technique on target is better than a strong technique off target."  This element sets apart the experienced and the novice practitioner and in many cases divides the "Sports" aspect of simply attempting to score a point as opposed to the original "Budo" side which strives for all aspects of technique perfection.
	MUDA NA WAZA - no wasted movement in the Kata.  When using economy of movement in the Kata there are no empty movements.  In order to apply this element the movements of the Kata must be fully understood.  If the Kata is not fully understood movements may be added or excluded.
	SHIN TAI WAZA - Unity of spirit, body and technique should appear in the execution of each technique.
	KIAI - Spirit Shout (demonstrating Martial Spirit - releasing all of one's mental and spiritual energy into the technique and therefore into the opponent's body).  A well focused Kiai will enhance one's ability to deliver a very explosive technique.  This explosiveness is called Kime.
	KIME - The ability to deliver a focused technique that transmits one's energy into the opponent's body with explosive results.  This energy being transmitted into the opponent's body as opposed to simply releasing this energy on the body's surface can result in internal damage without any visual external signs of injury.  It has been said that all karate techniques must have Kime and without this Kime a technique cannot be considered a true karate technique.
	KEITAI NO HOJI - correct positioning.  Correct positioning in both movement and in stance (postures) must be maintained.  The term "SHISEI" implies more than simply the correct positioning in relation to the lower body or stance.  SHISEI includes the upper body as well as the lower body (stance).  Examples of correct KEITAI NO HOJI are:  correct weight distribution, correct spinal alignment and correct foot positioning.  Adhering to these will enhance one's ability to deliver techniques with maximum speed and power and will allow one to both become rooted and remain highly mobile at the same time.
	EMBUSEN - performance line of the Kata.  This element expresses the ability to move and maintain the proper direction of the Kata as designed by the Kata's originator.  Some Kata form an "H" pattern while others may form an "I" pattern.  Most Japanese Kata stress moving at 90 degree angles on the turns of a Kata while many Okinawan Kata may stress use of a 45 degree angle in relation to these turns.
	MUSHIN - the ability to maintain a calm mind ready to handle any situation.  While in most cases instructors will list this element in relation to kumite only, it should be understood that if one practices (performs) the Kata properly this element must be demonstrated and fully understood.  One should , at all times practice the Kata as if the opponent is visible and present.  It is only through this type of Kata practice that the Kata comes alive and is not simply a collection of empty  movements to be performed with no real applications in mind.
	ZANCHIN - total awareness.  Demonstrating one's ability to maintain an active, ready mind even when the actual movements of the Kata may have stopped.  This element must be practiced at all times, before the Kata, during the Kata, and after the Kata is finished.
	CHAKUGAN - putting the eyes on the correct spot.  This is one of the "external" visible signs of Zanchin.  Without this element one cannot deliver the maximum explosive power that karate techniques are known for.  This term should not be confused with starring or simply looking at a particular area of the body.  Many times a person can "look" and still not "see".  This term exemplifies the idea that by looking at nothing in particular one sees everything in general.