Bassai-dai Bassai-dai is probably the most popular kata among various branches of karate. It is often used as the main test kata for Shodan (1st degree black belt). Master Sakagami of the Itosukai cites 5 different varieties in his book: "Itosu, Matsumura, Tomari, Oyadomari, and Ishimine". It is a difficult kata requiring many, many long hours of practice.