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Heian or Pinan Kata
Itosu (Ankoh) Yasutsune (1832 – 1915) has been accredited with introducing the practice of karate into the Okinawan school system in 1904. In 1906 he introduced the Pinan/Heian series of katas, (Pinan is Okinawan and Heian is a Japanese dialect though both kanji and meaning are the same) and named them Heian - Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan. There are sources that believe there were originally more then 5 kata but some were lost through lack of practise or popularity.
Today, all Shitoryu students are required to study these five kata and their relevant applications which form the heart of the junior grade syllabus. I have therefore photographed each movement of the five Heian kata for new students to study as a means of reference only. |
Remember the study of kata cannot be done simply by memorising pictures and students should seek regular tuition and guidance from an experienced teacher (Sensei) to ensure correct and stable progress.
Diligent practice of the Heian katas will create a sound and strong foundation for a karate-ka’s long term study and the skills gained during this early training will pay dividends when later study of the more advanced kata begins.
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