Kata of Shotokan Karate - Heian 3 (Sandan)
Heian Sandan is the third 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
- Yoi. Assume a natural stance, hachi-dachi.
- After a sharp look left, assume a left back stance by moving the left out along the upper horizontal. While moving, execute an inside block with the left hand.
- Shifting weight to the left foot, slide the right foot to left (feet together facing original left). As the feet come together, execute a downward block with the right hand, without moving the left. Then, in rapid succession, execute a right hand inside block/left downward block, right downward/left inside block combination.
- Look over your right shoulder and step out to the rear into a back stance. While moving, execute an inside block with the right hand.
- Shifting weight to the right foot, slide the left foot to right (feet together facing right). As the feet come together, execute a downward block with the left hand, without moving the right. Then, in rapid succession, execute a left hand inside block/right downward block, left downward/right inside block combination.
- Look sharply to the left. Step out to the front in a back stance while executing an augmented left inside block.
- Step forward into a right front stance, executing a right spear hand strike (supporting the right arm with the back of the left hand below the right elbow).
- Turn your right hand over and make a fist (as if grabbing someone's shirt). Step up with your left foot and begin to turn counterclockwise, bringing your left foot around behind your right. As you are turning, your right hand will go behind your back, still in a fist. Upon completing the turn, end in a right-facing kiba dachi, and execute a left bottom fist strike, bringing your right hand into the chamber.
- Step forward into a right forward stance and execute a right punch.
- Bring the left foot up to and around behind the right. End facing the rear, with both fists on hips, elbows pointing to the sides.
- Bring the left foot around, up and across the body. Execute a stamp down with the left foot, ending in a right-facing kiba dachi. Follow immediately with a left elbow block and left backfist. Return the left hand to the hip.
- Bring the right foot around, up and across the body. Execute a stamp down with the right foot, ending in a left-facing kiba dachi. Follow immediately with a right elbow block and right backfist. Return the right hand to the hip.
- Stepping forward into a left forward stance, execute a mid-level punch.
- Stepping up with the right, bring both feet parallel. Turn around with left foot, into a front-facing kiba dachi. Execute a right vertical elbow.
- Execute a left vertical elbow strike, in conjunction with a very short hop to the right, maintaining a front-facing kiba dachi.
- Return to hachi dachi by stepping up with the right foot.
