DEEPENING

The original name of the Heian kata is Pinan. 

Other karate styles have retained the Pinan designation (Wadō-ryū, Shōrin-ryū, Shitō-ryū).

Heian shodan is the first kata in the “Heian series,” which consists of five kata in total.

The Heian kata encompass the most important basic techniques of the Shōtōkan school. Heian shodan primarily teaches the two most important stances (zenkutsu dachi and kōkutsu dachi), three basic defensive techniques (gedan barai, age uke and shutō uke), and the first attack (oi zuki). In addition, the sanbon principle is practiced.

Sanbon techniques are tactical attack combinations designed to accustom the opponent to a certain speed (during the first two attacks), only to then accelerate and surprise them with the final attack. To this end, the target areas are generally chosen differently to make the defense even more difficult (jōdan, chūdan, chūdan).

In addition to the turns already learned in Taikyoku shodan, two more are added, at 135° and 270°, both in kōkutsu dachi.

The sequence of movements in tettsui uchi, near the beginning of the kata, consists of breaking free from a grip on the front wrist. For the technique to be effective, a large circular movement with the front arm is necessary.

In an alternative version, the tettsui uchi is not performed in zenkutsu dachi, as shown in the video. Instead, the front foot is withdrawn into renoji dachi (L-stance), and the strike is executed directly from this position.

Duration: approximately 40 seconds