Kata: First Basic

This kata was created by Gichin Funakoshi and was originally called Taikyoku Shodan. This kata is used as the first kata for purposes of training beginners and is taught prior to the Pinan series. Interestingly, it is found in the Shotokan Heian (Pinan) Kata list as Heian Shodan. Its theme is based on Balance, Timing, Coordination, and Reflexive Thinking.

Note: Because of its overwhelming use in Wado techniques, if only one hand is mentioned, the other hand is performing a back hikite. Also, unless otherwise mentioned, all jun-tsukis are at the chudan (solar plexus) level.

Opening

1. Rei. Masuba dachi.
2. Yoi. Heiko dachi.
3. Hajime.

Body

1. Left facing mawata (90°) step gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
2. Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
3. Mawata clockwise, 180°, step right gedan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
4. Step left chudan jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
5. Left mawata (90°), front facing step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
6. Step right jodan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
7. Step left jodan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
8. Step step right jodan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
9. Mawata counterclockwise (270°), step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
10. Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
11. Mawata clockwise (180°), step right gedan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
12. Step left jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
13. Mawata counterclockwise (90°), step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
14. Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
15. Step left jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
16. Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
17. Mawata counterclockwise (270°) step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
18. Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
19. Mawata clockwise (180°) step right gedan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
20. Step left jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.

Closing

1. Yame. Heiko dachi.
2. Norei. Masuba dachi.
3. Rei.