Kata of Shotokan Karate - Heian 1 (Shodan)

Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or "Peaceful Mind" katas. However, this does not mean that it is the easiest! In fact, Heian Shodan is composed entirely of "basic" techniques. There is nothing "fancy" at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is actually the hardest of all kata to do and do correctly!

The layout of this kata is an "I". It starts at the intersection of the top horizontal and the vertical lines of the "I". The kata also ends in the same place (I have been reading some discussions which lead me to believe this may not be the case. As my research continues, I may or may not update my ending position). From this starting point the kata moves to the left and then the right. It then moves down the vertical to the bottom horizontal. Here it moves right and then left. The movement then goes back up the vertical to the top horizontal, where it moves left and then right and then completes.

The Kata

1. Yoi. Assume a natural stance, hachi-dachi.
2. After a sharp look to left, execute a left downward block in a left forward stance.
3. Stepping forward, execute a right middle level thrust punch.
4. After a sharp look behind, turn clockwise 180 degrees and execute a right downward block.
5. Withdraw the right into a cat stance and retract the right hand by way of a tight clockwise circle, ending in a right shoulder level bottom fist
6. Stepping forward, execute a left middle level thrust punch.
7. After a sharp look to the left, withdraw the left foot and step to the left, executing a left downward block.
8. Immediately upon completion of the block, execute a left overhead block, but keep the fist open and the hand in a knife edge.
9. Step forward and execute a right overhead block.
10. Step forward and execute a left overhead block.
11. Immediately step forward and execute another right overhead block. Kiai on the block.
12. After a sharp look to the right, pivot counter-clockwise and execute a left downward block.
13. Stepping forward execute a right middle level thrust punch.
14. After a sharp look behind, turn clockwise 180 degrees and execute a right downward block.
15. Stepping forward execute a left middle level thrust punch.
16. After a sharp look to the left, withdraw the left foot and step along the vertical to the left and execute a left downward block.
17. Stepping forward execute a right middle level thrust punch.
18. Stepping forward execute a left middle level thrust punch.
19. Stepping forward execute a right middle level thrust punch. Kiai on the punch.
20. Pivoting on the right foot, turn counter-clockwise and assume a left back stance. Execute a left knife hand block.
21. Stepping off 45 degrees to the right, execute a right knife hand strike.
22. After a sharp look behind, withdraw the right foot. Pivol clockwise on the left, step out with the right and assume a right back stance. Execute a right knife hand block.
23. Stepping off 45 degrees to the left, execute a left knife hand strike.
24. Withdraw the left foot and assume hachi dachi. The kata is completed.

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