Heian Shodan

Heian = Peaceful Mind

This is a written description of the kata.

1. Feet together and make a silent bow. Announce the kata’s name “Heian Shodan”. Make Yoi. (at this time, you are facing North)

2. Looking to the left, prepare the left hand and step with the left leg into zenkutsu-dachi (front stance) making gedan barai (downward block) to the left side. (West)

3. Step forward and make oi-zuki (stepping punch) with the right hand.

4. Using the right hand and leg, pivot round on the left foot and make gedan barai with the right hand. (East)

5. Pull the right hand back to the waist, pulling the front leg slightly back; raise the hand over the head; move back into front stance and make tetsui-uchi (hammer fist)

6. Step forward and punch oi-zuki with the left hand.

7. Looking over the left shoulder, move the left leg and make gedan barai with the left leg, in the direction that you were facing in originally. (North)

8. Step forward and make three separate age-uke (rising block), the second and third consecutively. Kiai on the third block.

9. Using the left leg, turn behind at 90 degree and make left hand gedan barai.(East)

10. Step forward and punch with the right hand.

11. Using the right hand and leg, pivot round on the left foot and make gedan barai with the right hand. (West)

12. Step forward and punch oi-zuki with the left hand.

13. Looking over the left shoulder, move the left leg and make gedan barai with the left leg, in the direction that you were facing in originally. (South)

14. Step forward and make three separate oi-zuki, Make kiai on the third punch.

15. Using the left leg, turn behind at 90 degree and make left hand shuto-uke (knife hand block) in kokutsu dachi (back stance). (West)

16. At a 45 degree angle step forward and make another shuto-uke in kokutsu dachi (North West)

17. Using the right hand and leg, pivot round on the left foot and make shuto-uke in kokutsu dachi. (East)

18. . At a 45 degree angle step forward and make another shuto-uke in kokutsu dachi (North East)

19. With control, stand and return to the Yoi position. Feet together and make a silent bow.