New Version of Kata Performed by Sensei T. Imura JKA

This second training Kata gives further practice in the difficult backstance Kokutsu-dachi, rapid execution of consecutive techniques in one stance, simultaneous blocking and kicking whilst balanced on one leg etc., to a more complex rhythm than the first Kata.

It introduces many new techniques such as: Mae-geri and Yoko-geri, Haiwan jodan-uke, Uraken-uchi and Shihon nukite.

Containing 26 movements, this Kata should take approximately 50-60 seconds to perform.

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.

For beginners, a somewhat simplified version of Heian Shodan was introduced, which is called Taikyoku Shodan. This is most often used for 9th Kyu gradings as a "stepping-stone" to Heian Shodan.