Post by Sensei Justice on Jul 2, 2006 23:39:34 GMT -5
Heian Shodan is the first of the 5 Heian kata one will do in Shotokan. However, this was not always true. I have read that the kata we do as Heian Nidan used to be taught first and the kata we do as Heian Shodan was taught second.
Heian means - peaceful mind
Shodan - means one
There was a period of Japanese History called the Heian Period. This was a golden age of sorts with no wars and a growth of art. So one can assume this is where the Heian Kata's got their names.
Each one of the Heian kata relates to a element of nature. (I will talk about this later on) In Heian Shodan the element is Earth. Think of the kata like land. Its very strong just like your stances. Its not flashy like other kata its just there solid and safe. Land can provide great defense and great offense depending on your use of it. This is one of the lessons Heian Shodan teaches.
The kata is simple. It keeps with the I shape but adders some extra moves. The escape and back fist, rising blocks, and knife hands. We also see a double block comb in this kata going from down block to rising block. Those moves provide a lot to Shotokan that many don't understand or realize is actually in our system, but with training and time you will see how ROUNDED shotokan is to other styles.
Many new students get tired of doing Heian Shodan over and over but as a Black Belt is a kata you must always do because it open the door for so many more later on.
Heian means - peaceful mind
Shodan - means one
There was a period of Japanese History called the Heian Period. This was a golden age of sorts with no wars and a growth of art. So one can assume this is where the Heian Kata's got their names.
Each one of the Heian kata relates to a element of nature. (I will talk about this later on) In Heian Shodan the element is Earth. Think of the kata like land. Its very strong just like your stances. Its not flashy like other kata its just there solid and safe. Land can provide great defense and great offense depending on your use of it. This is one of the lessons Heian Shodan teaches.
The kata is simple. It keeps with the I shape but adders some extra moves. The escape and back fist, rising blocks, and knife hands. We also see a double block comb in this kata going from down block to rising block. Those moves provide a lot to Shotokan that many don't understand or realize is actually in our system, but with training and time you will see how ROUNDED shotokan is to other styles.
Many new students get tired of doing Heian Shodan over and over but as a Black Belt is a kata you must always do because it open the door for so many more later on.