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 BASIC KATA
First Basic kata is the first kata taught to Wado Ryu
students. It was initally a Shotokan karate form created by
Master Otsuka’s former Sensei, Shotokan founder Gichin
Funakoshi. He named this kata “Taikyoku Shodan” which
translates into “First Cause Number One”.

The kata is now found in many karate styles that are

based on Shotokan. The kata varies slightly between
styles as each karate system has adapted it to their
needs over the years. Interestingly, many Shotokan
schools no longer teach this form.
 HEIAN SHODAN
Heian Shodan kata was created by Master Funakoshi Gichin,
the founder of Shotokan karate. It was designed to teach
beginners the basic movements and principles of karate.

The kata consists of 21 movements, which include blocks, strikes,

kicks, and stances. Each action is executed with precision, speed,
and power and is designed to simulate a real-life self-defense
situation.
 BREAKDOWN OF HEIAN SHODAN KATA
1. Starting position - Stand in attention stance 6. High block - Block an attack aimed at the head with the
(mokusō) with hands at the sides right arm while stepping forward with the left foot
(jōdan uke)

2. Opening block - Block an incoming attack to the lower

7. Downward block - Block an attack aimed at the lower
body with the forearm while stepping forward with the
body with the right arm while stepping forward with the
left foot (gedan barai)
right foot (gedan barai)

3. Downward block - Block an incoming attack aimed at

the head with the left arm while stepping forward with
8. Front punch - Punch the attacker’s solar plexus with
the right foot (jōdan age uke)
the left arm (chūdan zuki)

4. Front punch - Punch the attacker’s solar plexus with 9. Front snap kick - Kick the attacker’s knee or groin
the right arm (chūdan zuki) with the right leg (mae geri)

5. Front snap kick - Kick the attacker’s knee or groin with 10. Sidestep and high block - Step to the side with the left
the left leg (mae geri) foot while blocking an attack aimed at the head with the
left arm (jōdan uke)
 Heian Nidan

Heian Nidan is the second of the five katas in this series.

This kata requires the student for the first time to include
a kick in their kata. In this instance there are two of them.
The first is a chudan-yoko-geri-keage (middle level side
snapping kick). Here it is important to remember to bring
your back leg up a half step so as to keep alignment with
your attacker, and chudan-mae-geri-keage (middle level
front snapping kick). In addition, several new hand
techniques are also introduced for the first time.
26 Steps for Heian Nidan
 Heian Yondan

Heian Yondan, the fourth kata in the series, focuses on longer sequences
and increased emphasis on kicks, introducing middle-level front and side
snapping kicks. New hand techniques like downward X block, middle level
elbow strike, and reverse wedge block are introduced, along with the
cross-legged stance. The kata teaches two key concepts, a long forward
movement into a cross-legged stance and shifting between stances without
moving feet from the attack line. Foot movement during stance transitions
is restricted to maintain the lesson's integrity. Emphasis is placed on
keeping toes pointed downward during knee strikes.
 how to perform Heian Yondan

Transition
Starting position

Double Block and Punch

Opening Sequence

Turn and Block

Middle Sequence

Elbow Strike and Grappling Techniques

Starting position

Final Sequence
 Heian Godan
Is the last Kata in the Heian series and has 23
movements and the embusen is almost T-shaped.
A combination of quick and slow movements,
timing skill and fluidity of motion are essential for
this Kata
Heian Godan is the first Shotokan kata to
include a jump (tobi-komi) and introduces the
mikazuki-geri technique. The mizu-nagare-
kamae at the start and the shuto-
uchikomi/manji-uke combo at the end are
crucial for kata execution. Bunkai for Heian
Godan incorporate throws, locks, and
takedowns, providing practical application of
the techniques learned in the kata.
KEY MOVEMENTS OF HEIAN GODAN
Heian Godan has 23 movements
 Resources
FIRST BASIC KATA. (N.D.). DOJOUPDATE.COM. HTTPS://WWW.DOJOUPDATE.COM/WADO-RYU-KATAS/FIRST-
BASIC-KATA/
SISON, R. (2023, MARCH 4). WANT TO MASTER HEIAN SHODAN? DISCOVER THE POWER OF THIS KATA -.
HTTPS://WWW.FIGHTCOOP.COM/HEIAN-SHODAN-DISCOVERING-THE-TECHNIQUES-OF-THIS-EFFECTIVE-KATA/
HEIAN YODAN - VICTORIA SHOTOKAN KARATE AND KOBUDO ASSOCIATION -. (N.D.). VICTORIA SHOTOKAN KARATE
AND KOBUDO ASSOCIATION. HTTPS://WWW.SHOTOKANKARATE.CA/SHOTOKAN-KATAS/VIEW/9-HEIAN-YODAN
HEIAN NIDAN - VICTORIA SHOTOKAN KARATE AND KOBUDO ASSOCIATION -. (N.D.). VICTORIA SHOTOKAN KARATE
AND KOBUDO ASSOCIATION. RETRIEVED APRIL 3, 2024, FROM HTTPS://WWW.SHOTOKANKARATE.CA/SHOTOKAN-
KATAS/VIEW/7-HEIAN-NIDAN
HEIAN NI-DAN. (2016, JULY 9). HTTPS://WWW.THEMARTIALWAY.COM.AU/HEIAN-NIDAN/
SHOTOKAN KATA 5 (HEIAN GODAN) - INSTRUCTIONS & VIDEOS - BLACK BELT WIKI. (2019, JULY 8). BLACK BELT
WIKI. HTTPS://BLACKBELTWIKI.COM/HEIAN-GODAN