Seisan: Seisan kata is the first kata that is taught to the Isshinryu student and is made up of many basic techniques. Seisan introduces the student to the cat stance and Seiuchin stance.

Seiuchin: Seiuchin is the second kata that the student learns. Seiuchin emphases the Seiuchin stance, breathing, and throwing a quick technique after great tension. One of the most noticeable aspect is the ability to have a board being broken over the students arm while performing the kata.

Naihanchi: Naihanchi, the kata of fakes, is the third kata that the student learns in Isshinryu. This kata takes the least amount of time to perform. There is only one stance in Naihanchi, the Naihanchi stance. Naihanchi kata teaches the student timing, balance, and how to use fakes. The student moves directly to the side, doing one half of the kata on one side and then for the second half the student does the same techniques but on the other side.

Wansu: Wansu kata is the fourth kata that the Isshinryu student learns. Wansu is made up of primarily basic techniques and fundamentals. This kata is also known as the "big dump" for the large throw in the middle of the kata. This kata is the only kata in Isshinryu with a straight punch to the face.

Chinto: Chinto is the fifth kata that is taught in Isshinryu. This kata is done primarily on a 45 degree angle from the starting point. In this kata the karate ka learns how to get extra reach using the Chinto pivot. One of the most difficult aspects of Chinto are the spinning blocks, where the student must turn 360 degrees then throw a low block. This kata also teaches the student balance having the back straight perpendicular to the ground while all the weight of the body is on the front foot.

Kusanku: Kusanku is the sixth and the longest kata to perform in Isshinryu. Kusanku is known for its flying techniques, particularly in the middle of the kata, with the jump spin techniques. This kata teaches timing, balance, looking before attacking, and getting in a low kneeling position to attack.

Sunsu: Sunsu is the seventh of the eight katas that are taught to students in Isshinryu. This kata is the only one that Shimabuku himself developed. Sunsu is apparently made up of Shimabuku's favorite sparring techniques, it is very linear and straight forward. This kata uses many of the basic techniques and many of the techniques found in the previous six katas. One of Shimabuku's nicknames was Sunsu translated as "Strong man", it embodies what Isshinryu is all about.

Sanchin: Sanchin is arguably the oldest kata in Okinawan Karate. Sanchin translates to be "Three Battles" or "Three Conflicts". Sanchin is primarily used as a breathing exercise using tension in each technique. The student learns many lessons from Sanchin, one of those lessons is breathing being able to exhale completely through a technique and with the completion of the technique having no air in the lungs at all. It teaches the use of the "C" step covering the groin area from a front kick. Tension is tested through the use of strikes to the arms and legs of the body when performing the kata.

Isshinryu karate has six weapon katas, using three traditional weapons: the Bo, Sai, and Tonfa. There are three Bo katas, two Sai katas, and one Tonfa kata. The Bo is traditionally a six foot long staff that is one and a half inches thick. The Sai is traditionally an eighteen to twenty inch three-pronged sword. Traditionally the Tonfa is eighteen to twenty-one inches long with a handle coming out at ninety degrees and about three inches away from the end.

Tokomeni No Kun (Bo #1): Tokomeni No Kun is the first Bo kata and the first weapon kata taught to the Isshinryu student. This kata teaches basic Bo techniques, how to deflect, parry, and strike with a Bo. Generally before the student learns this Bo kata the student is taught basic Bo techniques until the person feels comfortable with the Bo.

Kusanku Sai (Sai #1): Kusanku Sai is the first Sai kata taught in Isshinryu. Kusanku Sai uses the basic techniques and form used in Kusanku but the karate ka uses Sais. This Sai kata is generally the same as Kusanku, but to make it unique Shimabuku added extra movements at the end of the kata. Some Isshinryu practitioners use three Sais in this kata because of the throw, others use two and simulate the throw.

Chatan Yara No Sai (Sai #2): Chatan Yara No Sai is the second and last Sai kata in Isshinryu. Chatan Yara No Sai uses a combination of techniques with the Sai and open hand techniques. In this kata the student learns how to hook a Bo using one of the short ends of the Sai and pulls the Bo in followed by a strike with the butt of the Sai.

Urashi Bo (Bo #2): Urashi Bo is the second Bo kata taught in Isshinryu karate. In this kata the student learns how fake the opponent with one end of the Bo and strikes the opponent with the other end.

Shishi No Kun (Bo #3): Shishi No Kun is the third and last of the Bo katas. Shishi No Kun translates to be "Big Bo", it is the most advanced and longest Bo kata in Isshinryu. This kata puts together the lessons from the two previous Bo katas and combines them.

Hamahiga No Tuifa: Hamahiga No Tuifa is the final kata in Isshinryu. This kata uses the Tonfa to deflect Bo, Sai, and sword techniques.