Post by Sensei Justice on Aug 7, 2006 22:34:27 GMT -5
The second kata in the Heian family is Heian Nidan.
Heian = peaceful mind
Nidan = number 2 or second
Again this kata is symbolic of the Heian period in Japan. A time of great peace and tranquility. A strong emphasis was placed on the arts and culture.
In many schools of karate-do you will see Heian Nidan done before Heian Shodan. Although the other name ill apply. The reason for this is that Master G. Funashoshi switched the tow kata because he felt younger students or beginning students would have a more difficult time leering the kata we call Heian Nidan.
As I stated in the Heian Shodan post each Heian kata is going to be symbolic a element in nature. The Element that Heian Nidan represents is water.
As one practice Heian Nidan they will start to notice how one moves flows into the next. The gate block to back fist, the reverse outside blocks, etc. Water is a very powerful element although it may come in many shapes such as spear hands, back fists, knife hands, punches, etc. Simple stated water takes on the shape of the container it is in. Heian Nidan will introduce to several new strikes as I listed above and it will also be the first kata you are required to kick in. Not only does Heian Nidan teach the front kick but it also introduces the side snap kick.
IMO this is the hardest of the Heian kata to learn for no other reason than its such a huge step forward for beginning students. Looking back on the fact it may be my favorite of the Heian series today because of the way it flows... Like water...
Heian = peaceful mind
Nidan = number 2 or second
Again this kata is symbolic of the Heian period in Japan. A time of great peace and tranquility. A strong emphasis was placed on the arts and culture.
In many schools of karate-do you will see Heian Nidan done before Heian Shodan. Although the other name ill apply. The reason for this is that Master G. Funashoshi switched the tow kata because he felt younger students or beginning students would have a more difficult time leering the kata we call Heian Nidan.
As I stated in the Heian Shodan post each Heian kata is going to be symbolic a element in nature. The Element that Heian Nidan represents is water.
As one practice Heian Nidan they will start to notice how one moves flows into the next. The gate block to back fist, the reverse outside blocks, etc. Water is a very powerful element although it may come in many shapes such as spear hands, back fists, knife hands, punches, etc. Simple stated water takes on the shape of the container it is in. Heian Nidan will introduce to several new strikes as I listed above and it will also be the first kata you are required to kick in. Not only does Heian Nidan teach the front kick but it also introduces the side snap kick.
IMO this is the hardest of the Heian kata to learn for no other reason than its such a huge step forward for beginning students. Looking back on the fact it may be my favorite of the Heian series today because of the way it flows... Like water...