TEKKI SHODAN – IRON RIDER, 1ST LEVEL.
The original name of the tekki kata is Naihanchi (or Naifanchi). The Wadō-ryū, Shōrin-ryū, and Shitō-ryū styles have retained the name "Naihanchi."
The name "Tekki" was changed by Funakoshi. He himself practiced the three Tekki for a decade as a young man until he completely mastered them. Tekki shodan is the first kata in this special series of three. The three Tekki kata contain a special theme that offers additional possibilities in combat: the action from the side stance, Kiba dachi.
In Tekki shodan, the yōi is no longer performed in the traditional hachi ji dachi position, but in heisoku dachi. The hands are held in front of the body, with the left hand covering a large part of the right. The enbusen is a line, so all transition steps must be executed precisely, otherwise the end point of the kata tends to shift forward. Most techniques are performed sideways, so upper body rotations occur frequently. This requires constant review of the stances to ensure they remain correct and stable.
Fumikomi techniques are performed with large circular movements of the legs. To achieve the correct rhythm of the Empi uchi/Koshi kamae and Gedan barai/Kagi zuki techniques, the first and second techniques are combined, followed by the third and fourth techniques.
When using Nami-ashi techniques, particular attention should be paid to the following:
- The legs must be pulled up very high to avoid the Ashi-barai attacks.
- The body weight must not be shifted in order to allow a counterattack at maximum speed.
To emphasize the kata, particular attention should be paid to the direction of the gaze. Since opponents often attack from completely different directions, a timely head turn is a sign of combat engagement.
Duration: about 50 seconds
