Kata of Shotokan Karate - Heian 2 (Nidan)

Heian Nidan is the second of the five Heian, or "Peaceful Mind" katas.

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 left, assume a left back stance by moving the left out along the upper horizontal. While moving, place the hands into a "cup and saucer". Place the right fist in the chamber, fist facing up. Place the left fist horizontally upon the right. Once the stance is entered execute a double block. The left arm is raised so that the upper arm is in line with the shoulder. Bend the elbow ninety degrees so that the fist (which faces out) is in line with the top of the head. The right arm is also bent ninety degrees, with the upper arm raised straight up from the shoulder.
3. Execute a right vertical punch by dropping the right arm below the left and punching. Simultaneously, bend the left arm at the elbow and move it back until the left fist is near the right ear.
4. Execute a left bottom fist strike, by extending the left arm to the left. The fist should face down. While striking, withdraw the right fist to the chamber.
5. After a sharp look to the rear, pivot and face behind in a right back stance.While moving, place the hands into a "cup and saucer". Place the left fist in the chamber, fist facing up. Place the right fist horizontally upon the right. Once the stance is entered execute a double block. This block should be the mirror image of the above double block.
6. Execute a left vertical punch and bring the right fist to the left ear.
7. Execute a right bottom fist and bring the left fist to the chamber.
8. Look behind. Draw the left foot half way up and the right foot half way back. Whie moving the feet, create a cup and saucer on the left hip.
9. Execute a right side snap kick and right horizontal bottom fist at the same time. Upon completion, bring the right foot next to the left knee and immediately fall back moving the right foot and assume a left back stance, while executing a left knife hand block.
10. Step forward in a right back stance and execute a right knife hand block.
11. Step forward in a left back stance and execute a left knife hand block.
12. Step forward in a right forward stance and execute a right spear hand strike, supporting the right elbow with the back of the left hand.
13. After a sharp look right, pivot 270 degrees counterclockwise and assume a left back stance and execute a left knife hand block.
14. Stepping off 45 degrees to the right, execute a right knife hand strike.
15. 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.
16. Stepping off 45 degrees to the left, execute a left knife hand strike.
17. Keeping the right foot planted, sweep the left foot to the left and assume a left forward stance. Execute a sweeping right inside block with such force that the body and stance become "twisted". Let the right hip come slightly forward and push the left hip slightly back. Allow the right shoulder to come even more forward, pushing the left shoulder even further back.
18. Execute a right front snap kick. Bring the foot back to the knee and then step forward into a right forward stance and execute a left reverse punch.
19. Immediately execute a left inside block and withdraw the right foot halfway back.
20. Execute a left front snap kick. Bring the foot back to the knee and then step forward into a left forward stance and execute a right reverse punch.
21. Step forward in a right forward stance and execute a reinforced right inside block. The right arm performs an inside block, with the left follwoing to add support. Upon completion of the block, the left fist is at the right elbow to prevent the right from being moved.
22. After a sharp look to the right, pivot and turn 270 degrees and assume a left forward stance and execute a left downward block.
23. Look to the right and without moving the feet, raise the left hand and execute an overhead knife hand block.
24. Stepping off 45 degrees, assume a right forward stance and execute a right overhead block.
25. Look back to the left. Stepping back out along the upper horizontal (of the "I"), assume a right forward stance and execute a right downward block.
26. Look to the left and without moving the feet, raise the right hand and execute an overhead knife hand block.
27. Stepping off 45 degrees, assume a left forward stance and execute a left overhead block.
28. Withdraw the left foot to a front facing hachi-dachi. The kata is completed.

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