Shotokan Karate Kata Heian Shodan (Slow)

Shotokan Karate Kata Heian Shodan (Slow)

Traditional Karate Ontario-Instructor Calum Nairn

This kata introduces the basic stances zenkutsu-dachi and kokutsu-dachi, with the blocks gedan barai, age uke, and shuto uke.
The kata also employs the more complicated sequence involving the tetsui and the shift of the centre of gravity. Taking roughly 40 seconds to perform, this kata contains 21 movements.
Heian Shodan translates as ‘Peaceful Mind – level one’. In many ways, the symbolic significance of the ‘Heian’ series represents the spirit and attitude that accompanies Karate-Do as a Martial Art, so these five kata that make up the series are truly significant, both fundamentally and philosophically.

Traditional Karate Ontario teaches Shotokan Karate in Tillsonburg Ontario.
Video courtesy of Kevin White