COMMON MISTAKES

In principle, there is a tendency to underestimate Heian shodan because it is the first kata and is classified as a beginner's kata. 

In the "BASIC PRINCIPLES" module, it is described in detail how it can enrich a karateka for a lifetime.

A karateka should attach great importance to internalizing it well. 

At this point, the Zen concept of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is helpful. This means that a karateka, no matter how far they have come on their karate path, should never lose the enthusiasm of a beginner. In this way, they always remain open to continuing to learn and deepening what they have learned.

The sanbon principle must be observed (see also the “DEEPENING” module): Each of the three techniques is explosive and fast. The difference lies in the rhythm (sanbon). There is a regular pause between the first and second techniques, but the third technique follows immediately afterward, extremely quickly and without delay.

The reason for this is to accustom the opponent to a certain rhythm in order to subsequently surprise them with a new rhythm. This increases the chances of one's own technique reaching its target. This is a very important combat concept that Heian shodan imparts to the karateka.

In all defensive techniques, the hikite must not be neglected. Since the concentration is placed on the point where the attack is blocked, the hikite arm is often only placed loosely on the hip, without tension, or is not pulled back sufficiently. 

In application (bunkai), the hikite often serves as a grip or to pull the opponent closer. A weak hikite means a weak leverage effect and less rotational power when blocking.

A technique that does not receive sufficient attention in Heian shodan is the tettsui uchi (see also the “DEEPENING” module).

This technique is usually executed only with an arm movement, without the entire body being used. The classic application is the release from a grip on the wrist. Without body commitment, a release is not possible. 

The prerequisite for this is a strong wrist and hip rotation in order to develop the sufficient force necessary to free one's own arm.

The transition to the first age uke. Here, the body should be aligned forward. 

It helps to imagine that the forward-extended right arm is the actual defensive technique (age shutō uke). This aligns the upper body frontally. The age uke with the left arm is then the counter-technique to the neck (age uke oi komi).

The four shutō uke techniques are also very important. They contain many elements that promote body control. However, these are not immediately recognizable at first glance. 

This includes the clean execution of the stances and the defensive techniques, the compact preparation movements, and the centering between two final techniques when moving forward. In addition, the kōkutsu dachi should be observed. 

Often there is a tendency to shift the weight too far forward or to make the stance too short. The ratio of weight distribution should be 70% in the back to 30% in the front. The spine is kept absolutely vertical. During shutō uke, there is a tendency to lean slightly forward or backward, which makes the structure unstable. 

Furthermore, this series of four appears in various basic and master kata.

In Heian shodan, the exact adherence to the enbusen is required for the first time. Often, after the turns, the feet are offset from the original line, or the step length and width vary. An unclean embusen indicates a lack of control over orientation. Anyone who does not stand precisely where they started at the end of the kata has usually over- or understeered during the turns.

The sections described here, along with the detailed instructions, are clearly visible in the video. To help you understand the details, we recommend watching the video while referring to the corresponding sections with the graphic elements.