Heian Kata

Anko Itosu considered by many as the father of modern Karate had revolutionized Okinawan kata to a mainstream martial art. As the “Blackbelt Kata” Kosokun Dai was too difficult for beginners to learn, Itosu split the Kata into 5 parts to form his syllabus for the school physical education system. These are known as the Heian/Pinan Kata.

Itosu had lived to be 5’ tall in the mid 19th century. Itosu's students included Choyu Motobu (1857–1927), Choki Motobu (1870–1944), Kentsu Yabu (1866–1937), Chomo Hanashiro (1869–1945), Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957), Moden Yabiku (1880–1941), Kanken Toyama (1888–1966), Shinpan Shiroma (Gusukuma) (1890–1954), Anbun Tokuda (1886–1945), Kenwa Mabuni (1889–1952), and Chōshin Chibana (1885–1969).

Kenwa Mabuni the founder of Shito Ryu introduced Karate into the police force. Another one of Itosu’s students Gichin Funokoshi founded Shotokan which eventually became the prominent style across Japan.

QuickNotes

In each kata's initial movements, you'll find a defensive posture known as Nekoashidaichi, or the cat stance. Strikes and punches are executed from Hanzenkutsu daichi, a half stance, while blocks not in Nekoashidaichi are performed in the full Zenkutsudaichi stance.

Let's delve into the specifics of each kata:

1. Heian Sho (1st Kata): The opening technique involves a side block known as "chudan berai."

2. Heian Nidan (2nd Kata): The kata begins with a circular block called "Tetsui Uke."

3. Heian Sandan (3rd Kata): This kata incorporates a Knife Hand Strike, or "Nuki-te."

4. Heian Yondan (4th Kata): In accordance with the significance of "Yon" (4) as an alternative term for the number, since "Shi" refers to death, this kata integrates an elbow strike known as "empi."

5. Heian Godan (5th Kata): Heian Godan introduces a new block known as "Sase Uke," which is a reinforced block. The stance utilized here is Kokutsudaichi, as recognized in Shito-Ryu. Additionally, the corresponding block/strike in the kata is "Manjei Uke."

The Heian kata series thus encapsulates a progression of techniques and stances that symbolize both tranquility and dynamic self-defense movements.