New version of Kata performed by Sensei T. Oishi JKA

This is now the first proper Kata in the shotokan syllabus, in which training is given in basic and essential techniques: the stances Zenkutsu-dachi and Kokutsu-dachi, the blocks Gedan-barai, Age-uke and Shuto-uke. The Kata contains 21 movements, and takes approximately 40 seconds to perform. It should not be rushed. Pay attention to the rhythm of the movements.

The old name for the Heian Kata was Pinan. These Kata were developed by Yatasune Itosu as intermediate Kata to the much longer main Kata of Shorin-Ryu. He did not make them up however, they were based on much older training forms called Channan, which had their origin in China.

Master Funakoshi considered Pinan Shodan too difficult for an introductory Kata so he changed Pinan Nidan to Heian Shodan and Pinan Shodan to Heian Nidan.