Although considered to be among the higher kata, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan are listed as basic kata for purely organizational reasons.

The Heian Kata are called Pinan in Shuri-te, which has the same meaning. The Heian Kata of Shotokan have been modified to a greater or lesser extent and generally adapted to the kihon of the style. The distinctive feature of Shotokan kihon primarily concerns the use of the hips.

Meaning of the name Basic Kata 1 Moves: 20

Taikyoku Shodan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

Taikyoku literally means universe, but the term is used in many different ways, including for restaurants. It is puzzling why the term was used for a series of basic Kata. From a physical perspective, the universe is ultimately made up of fundamental elements. On the one hand, of atomic and subatomic particles, and on the other, of clearly defined laws of nature. And from these relatively few things, an infinite variety has emerged. The Taikyoku Kata can be understood in a similar way. Although they consist only of basic techniques, they contain the principles on which karate is built. In other words, to understand the complex, you must first learn the basics. Taikyoku Shodan follows the Enbusen of Heian Shodan, but consists only of Gedan Barai and Oi zuki.

Meaning of the name Basic Kata 2 Moves: 20

Taikyoku Nidan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

The only difference to Taikyoku Shodan is that the Oi zuki is performed in Jodan.

Meaning of the name Basic Kata 3 Moves: 20

Taikyoku Sandan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

In Taikyoku Sandan the differences are also minimal and primarily concern the Uke technique, which is practiced here as Uchi Uke in Kokutsu Dachi.

Meaning of the name Peaceful Mind 1 Moves: 25

Heian Shodan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

The Heian Shodan of Shotokan corresponds to the traditional Heian Nidan. However, the beginning of the Kata has been changed, so that it begins with Gedan Barai. In Shotokan, it is a fundamental foundational Kata, very well suited for improving kihon and the specific biomechanics of Shotokan. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Heian Nidan

Meaning of the name Peaceful Mind 2 Moves: 31

Heian Nidan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

Heian Nidan corresponds to the traditional Heian Shodan. The reversal of the names may be due to the fact that the original Heian Shodan is more complicated and contains more movements and combined techniques. Heian Nidan is difficult to teach for first-time karate students, especially in larger groups. Therefore, the names were reversed, and the second Kata became the first. Heian Nidan is quite demanding and, at the beginning, is reminiscent of Kanku Dai. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Heian Shodan

Meaning of the name Peaceful Mind 3 Moves: 28

Heian Sandan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

Heian Sandan is nearly original. Only the midsection with the turnings and the end of the Kata has a different performance, though the techniques are still the same like in the original version. Für mehr Details siehe: Shito-Ryu Heian Sandan

Meaning of the name Peaceful Mind 4 Moves: 32

Heian Yondan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

The beginning of Heian Yondan, in particular, has been significantly altered. Instead of a fast shuto uke with shuto age uke, the kaishu heiwan uke is performed deliberately slowly, requiring a certain amount of leg muscle strength. In the middle section of the Kata, the yoko uke has also been replaced by the two-handed kakiwake uke. If one forgets to pull the left leg forward to heisoku dachi, which is required after the yoko geri with empi uchi, the Kata ends well behind the starting point, which would be incorrect according to the peculiarities of Shotokan. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Heian Yondan

Meaning of the name Peaceful Mind 5 Moves: 26

Heian Godan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

Heian Godan is the Kata that has undergone the most changes. But even here, it mostly only affects details of execution. For example, in Shotokan, an ura zuki was added, following empi uchi in kosa dachi. The ending of the Kata was also significantly altered and now resembles sections of Kanku Dai. For more details, see: Shito-Ryu Heian Godan

Meaning of the name Iron rider 1 Moves: 27

Tekki Shodan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Basic

In the Tekki Kata, the term Naifanchin, which refers to the Naifanchin Dachi stance, has been replaced by Tekki. Tekki means iron rider and thus also refers to the main stance used in the Kata. In Shotokan, it is the Kiba Dachi, which is similar to the Naifanchin Dachi but differs significantly in depth, width, and muscular work. For more details, see: Naifanchin Shodan

Meaning of the name Iron rider 2 Moves: 30

Tekki Nidan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The Tekki Nidan also differs from the Naifanchin Nidan only in the stance and a slightly different execution of some techniques, which, however, affect the targeted area more than the movement itself. For more details, see: Naifanchin Nidan

Meaning of the name Iron rider 3 Moves: 35

Tekki Sandan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The most variations, however, are found in Tekki Sandan, which is performed slightly differently even among some Shotokan masters. This mainly affects the technical combinations at the beginning and middle of the Kata. Likewise, as with Tekki Nidan, some target areas are Gedan instead of Chudan. For more details, see: Naifanchin Sandan