2010/11|KarateYon

Home » Archives for 2010/11

HEIAN SHODAN SHOTOKAN

Nov 16, 2010|

Admin

Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or "Peaceful Mind" katas. Heian Shodan is composed entirely of "basic" techniques; there is nothing "fancy" at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is one of the hardest kata to do correctly (of course, a case could be made that they are all pretty hard).

The early history of kata parallels the history of Shotokan Karate. They were developed in Okinawa, with some amount of influence from Chinese martial arts, then were brought to the main islands of Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in 1922. During the periods when Karate training was done in secret, performing kata was the primary form of practice.

Funakoshi's first teacher, Yasutsune Azato, was an exceptional swordsman, and around Funakoshi's time, kata started to incorporate ideas from kendo. These included more focus on relaxing the upper body to achieve faster, snapping motions, and more aggressive and pronounced body shifting.

The Heian kata were distilled from Kanku Sho, a more advanced kata, by Funakoshi's other instructor, Anko Itosu. These kata were designed to aid the development of younger students, and they are usually taught to students below the level of brown belt. Although these kata originated in Okinawa, they were primarily practiced in Japan.

Additional changes to the original kata came as Gigo Funakoshi (the son of Gichin Funakoshi) started teaching his students altered forms of the kata, including deepened stances. A series of meetings at Waseda University in the 1950's lead to further changes in the kata, to emphasize longer, more athletic movements for better conditioning, to eliminate repetitious movements and move the focus to fundamental techniques, and simplify many of the self-defense moves.

Heian Shodan

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Heian Shodan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1. Hidari gedan-barai
2. Migi chudan oi-zuki
3. Migi gedan-barai
4. Migi tetsui-uchi
5. Hidari chudan oi-zuki
6. Hidari gedan-barai
7. Migi jodan age-uke
8. Hidari age-uke jodan
9. Migi jodan age-uke KIAI! Wait 2 seconds after the kiai.
10. Hidari gedan-barai
11. Migi chudan oi-zuki
12- Migi gedan-barai
13. Hidari chudan oi-zuki
14. Hidari gedan-barai
15. Migi chudan oi-zuki
16. Hidari chudan oi-zuki
17. Migi chudan oi-zuki; Push KIAI!
18. Hidari chudan shuto-uke
19. Migi chudan shuto-uke
20. Migi chudan shuto-uke
21. Hidari chudan shuto-uke
Yame, hachiji-dachi

View Heian Shodan Video

HEIAN NIDAN SHOTOKAN

Admin

Heian Nidan, the second of the Heian Kata series is a very popular kata among new students. This kata is a very powerful kata, which builds upon the fundamentals introduced in Heian Shodan, while also using new techniques.

The representative movements of this kata, like most, are the opening techniques Haiwan uke, the double block followed by the punch. This develops a strong use of the hips, while developing the ability to execute more than one technique from one position, while generating impressive amounts of power.

With 26 movements, this kata should approximately take about 50-60 seconds to perform, and is more physically demanding, both athletically and fundamentally than Heian Shodan, acting as a useful stepping-stone.

As mentioned in Heian Shodan, the Heian Kata are representative of Karate-Do, and represents the attitude that must accompany the karate training. The word Heian is also used in Japanese history to describe the period between 794-1192, a time of unprecedented peace and security throughout the land, under the rule of the Heian dynasty.

When you then think about the symbolic significance of the word ‘Heian’, a deeper respect and appreciation for the kata will follow.

Heian Nidan

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Heian Nidan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1- Hidari haiwan sokumen jodan-uke migi yoko-kamae
2- Migi ura-zuki (soto-uke) hidari uchi-komi
3- Hidari chudan-yoko-zuki
4- Migi haiwan sokumen jodan-uke hidari yoko-kamae
5- Hidari ura-zuki (soto uke) migi uchi-komi
6- Migi chudan-yoko-zuki
7- Migi jodan uraken-yoko-mawashi-uchi migi sokuto-yoko-geri-keage
8- Hidari chudan-shuto-uke
9- Migi chudan-shuto-uke
10- Hidari chudan-shuto-uke
11- Migi chudan-nukite-tate-zuki hidari osae-uke; KIAI
12- Hidari chudan-shuto-uke
13- Migi chudan-shuto-uke
14- Hidari chudan-shuto-uke
15- Hidari chudan-shuto-uke
16- Migi chudan-uchi-uke
17- Migi mae-geri-keage
18- Hidari chudan-gyaku-zuki
19- Hidari chudan-uchi-uke
20- Hidari mae-geri-keage
21- Migi chudan-gyaku-zuki
22- Migi chudan-morote-uke
23- Hidari gedan-barai
24- Migi jodan-age-uke
25- Migi gedan-barai
26-.Hidari jodan-age-uke, KIAI
Yame, hachiji-dachi

View Heian Nidan Video

HEIAN SANDAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Admin

Heian Sandan is the third of the ‘Heian’ series, and again develops on the fundamental principles taught in the previous katas.

Among many students, this is the most unpopular of the Heian Kata, but an essential one all the same. Without training in this kata, with the spinning movements, the use of the foot and leg as a block, and strong attention to Kiba-Dachi, kata like Kanku Dai, Tekki and Bassai Sho would not be performed with as much grace and efficiency.

This kata introduces many new techniques, the most complex being the disengage of the arm followed by the spinning tetsui. Although very difficult to the beginning student, the principles this kata teach are vital. Just through studying this technique, you learn to control your centre of balance, you learn to spin quickly and efficiently and you learn to generate power through moving your body’s mass.

Although these concepts may at times be lost on the beginner, when it comes to studying the later kata, this introduction to these concepts builds the vital foundation for the rest of their kata study.

Heian Sandan

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Heian Sandan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1.Hidari chudan-uchi-uke
2.Hidari gedan-barai Migi chudan-uchi uke
3.Hidari chudan-uchi-uke Migi gedan-barai
4.Migi chudan-uchi-uke
5.Hidari gedan-barai - Hidari chudan-uchi-uke
6.Migi chudan-uchi-uke Hidari-gedan-barai
7.Hidari chudan morote uke
8.Migi chudan-nukite-tate-zuki Hidari osae-uke
9.Hidari chudan-tetsui-yoko-uchi
10.Migi chudan-oi-zuki KIAI Wait 2 seconds after the kiai.
11.Ryoken koshi kamae
12.Migi yoko-fumikomi Migi yoko-empi-uchi
13.Migi jodan-uraken-tate-uchi
14.Hidari yoko-fumikomi Migi yoko-empi-uchi
15.Hidari jodan-uraken-tate-uchi
16.Migi yoko-fumikomi Migi yoko-empi-uchi
17.Migi jodan-uraken-tate-uchi
18.Hidari shuto-uke
19.Hidari chudan-oi-zuki
20.Migi jodan-mawashi-zuki Migi ushiro-empi-uchi
21.Hidari jodan-mawashi-zuki Migi ushiro-empi-uchi KIAI
Yame, hachiji-dachi

View Heian Sandan Video

HEIAN YONDAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Admin

It’s quite common for many students once they have passed a grade, to never really feel the need to continue their study of the Heian Kata.

It’s quite common for black belts to have completely forgotten their previous kata, being so caught up studying Bassai, Empi, Jion and Hangetsu.

However, continued attention and study of these Heian Kata should follow, and not just up to Black belt. Many very senior Dan grades devote most of the kata training time to the Heian kata’s, for these kata teach such important fundamentals, and need to be perfected for a lifetime.

Heian Yondan, the fourth in the series is a very popular kata. More than any of the earlier Heian Kata, Yondan introduces a new type of rhythm to kata training. It has interesting contrasts between very deep and slow to incredibly sharp movements. This contrast between slow and fast introduces rhythm to the beginning student, and helps them to develop the control to not just rush through the kata. It helps them develop their leg movements, and the ability to synchronize leg and arm movements.

This kata introduces juiji-uke, Shuto-uchi, kakewake-uke, and hiza-geri, and perfection of these new movements is imperative in your continued study of the rest of the Heian series.

Heian Yondan

1. Hidari haiwan soku-men jodan-uke Migi yoko-kamae.
2. Migi haiwan soku-men jodan-uke Hidari yoko-kamae.
3. Hidari gedan-juji-uke.
4. Migi chudan-morote-uke.
5. Migi tsuruashi-dachi Hidari jodan-yoko-mawashi-uchi Hidari jodan-sokuto-yoko-geri-keage.
6. Migi chudan-mae-empi-uchi.
7. Hidari tsuruashi-dachi Migi jodan-yoko-mawashi-uchi Migi jodan-sokuto-yoko-geri-keage.
8. Hidari chudan-mae-empi-uchi.
9. Migi jodan-shuto-uchi Hidari jodan-shuto-uke.
10. Migi jodan-mae-geri-keage.
11. Migi chudan-uraken-tate-uchi; KIAI!
12. Hidari chudan-kakiwake-uke.
13. Migi chudan-mae-geri-keage.
14. Migi chudan-oi-zuki.
15. Hidari chudan-gyaku-zuki.
16. Migi chudan-kakiwake-uke.
17. Hidari chudan-mae-geri-keage.
18. Hidari chudan-oi-zuki.
19. Migi chudan-gyaku-zuki.
20. Hidari chudan-morote-uchi-uke.
21. Migi chudan-morote-uchi-uke.
22. Hidari chudan-morote-uchi-uke.
23. Migi hiza-geri; KIAI.
24. Hidari chudan-shuto-uke.
25. Migi chudan-shuto-uke.
Yame, hachiji-dachi.

View Heian Yondan Video

TERMINOLOGY SHOTOKAN

Posted in SHOTOKAN |

Admin

Terminology "Shotokan"

Blocking Techniques
Age uke	Rising block
Soto uke	Outside Block
Uchi uke	Inside Block
Gedan barai	Downward Block
Shuto uke	Knife hand block
Counting
Ichi	1
Ni	2
San	3
Shi	4
Go	5
Roku	6
Shichi	7
Hachi	8
Kyu	9
Jyu	10
General Terms
Dojo	Training hall
Sensei	Teacher/Instructor
Gi	Karate suit
Hiki-Te	Withdrawing Hand
Kicking Techniques
Mae geri	Front Snap Kick
Yoko geri	Side kick
Mawashi-geri	Roundhouse kick
Ushiro geri	Back kick
Punching / Striking Techniques
Tsuki	Punch
Oi-tsuki	Stepping punch
Gyaku-tsuki	Reverse punch
Nukite	Spearhand Strike
Sparring
Gohon Kumite	5-step attack
Sanbon Kumite	3-step attack
Kihon ippon kumite	1-step attack
Jiyu ippon kumite	Semi free style
Jiyu kumite	Freestlye
Stances
Zenkutsu dachi	Front Stance
Kokutsu dachi	Back Stance
Kiba dachi	Straddle Stance (Horse Riding Stance)
Target Areas
Jodan	Upper (face) area
Chudan	Middle (body) area
Gedan	Lower (groin) area
Training Instructions
Seiza	Come into a Kneeling position
Kokyu	Breath
Youi	Prepare for action
Kime	Focus / finish
Mawatte	Turn
Kiai	Shout
Mokuso	Close your eyes relax your mind and control your
PARTS OF THE BODY
Atama	Head, Top of Head
Kin	Groin
Hiza	Knee
Ashi	Foot
Hiji	Elbow
Hirate	Fist
Haisoku	Instep
Kote	Forearm
Te	Hand
Teisoku	Foot arch
Sokuto	Foot blade
Shotei	Palm Heel
Haishu	Back of hand
Kakato	Heel
Chusoku	Ball of foot
Koken	Wrist
Shuto	Knife hand
Haito	Inner Shuto

HEIAN GODAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Admin

Heian Godan is a very visually exciting kata. Being the most athletic of the Heian series, this kata employs movements, techniques and concepts that stretch the skills of the beginning student.

Here, not only must the karateka further develop the vital contrast between fast and slow, but must also effectively execute a jump with speed, balance and grace. Through effectively developing this kata, the karateka will be able to develop not only the skills introduced and fine-tuned in the previous kata, but incorporate such skills as stance transition.

Although appearing simple to an advanced student, to a beginner, the shift of weight and balance from zenkutsu-dachi to kokutsu-dachi can be very difficult. Through many repetitions of this within the kata, along with other transitions through stances, this kata is essential in the development of understanding how to generate power and how to use the body to its maximum potential.

This kata introduces many techniques such as manji-game-uke, and teisho (although many styles don’t necessarily use the technique in this manner) along with this kata using the first jump in the Shotokan Syllabus.

Heian Godan

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Heian Godan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1.Hidari chudan-uchi-uke
2.Migi chudan-gyaku -uki
3.Hidari zenwan-mizu-nagare-kamae
4.Migi chudan-uchi-uke
5.Hidari chudan-gyaku-zuki
6.Migi zenwan-mizu-nagare-kamae
7.Migi chudan-morote-uke
8.Hidari gedan-juji-uke
9.Hidari jodan-juji-uke
10.Hidari chudan-osae-uke Hidari chudan-oi-zuki
11.Migi chudan-oi-zuki KIAI
12.Migi yoko-fumikomi Migi gedan-barai
13.Hidari chudan-haishu-uke Migi chudan-mikazuki-geri
14.Migi chudan-mae-empi-uchi
15.Migi chudan-morote-uke
16.Migi chudan-morote-ura-zuki
17.Gedan-juji-uke KIAI
18.Migi chudan-morote-uke
19.Hidari nagashi-teisho-uke Migi gedan-shuto-nukite
20.Hidari sokumen-gedan-barai Migi sokumen-jodan-uchi-uke
21.Migi nagashi-teisho-uke Hidari gedan-shuto-nukite
22.Migi gedan-barai Hidari jodan-uchi-uke
Yame, hachiji dachi

View Heian Godan Video

TEN NO KATA

Posted in SHOTOKAN |

Admin

It is generally accepted that Ten no Kata was created by Gigo Funakoshi as a simple training tool for beginners. Ten refers to "sky," "heaven," or "universe." The kata is usually translated as "Kata of the Universe," or "Kata of the Heavens," giving it an almost divine quality since perfection of basic technique has always been the ultimate goal of Shotokan karateka. Ten no Kata requires very little space and can be practiced almost anywhere by karateka of any age. It is not a kata in the traditional sense. It is divided into two parts, Omote (front) and Ura (back). Ten no Kata Omote is more similar to kihon than kata. It consists of ten sets of techniques. The first four sets are punching attacks: chudan-oi-zuki, jodan-oi-zuki, chudan-gyaku-zuki, and jodan-gyaku-zuki. The following six sets are block/counter-attack combinations; three defenses against chudan and three for jodan. As with any kata, Ten no Kata Omote is practiced without a partner. All moves start from hachiji-dachi (natural stance). Each technique is performed first with the right side and then with the left side. Every attack and counter-attack must be accompanied by a kiai. Some instructors teach to kiai when blocking as well.

Ten no Kata Ura really isn't kata at all; it's actually kihon-ippon-kumite (basic one-step sparring). The six sets of block/counter maneuvers from Ten no Kata Omote are practiced with a partner. The opponent attacks with three sets of chudan-oi-zuki (remember to do both sides) and three sets of jodan-oi-zuki. The defender must then apply the appropriate defense.

The Ten no Kata reviewed on this website was taken from Gichin Funakoshi's book Karate-Do Nyumon. In his description of Omote, Funakoshi says to use the fudo-dachi stance for many of the blocks. However, when viewing the photos that accompany the book, this is clearly not the case as the karateka is obviously doing zenkutsu-dachi (or even kokutsu-dachi). Therefore, the chart below offers both options. Conforming to standard kihon-ippon-kumite requirements, any instructors who still teach Ten no Kata (and there aren't many of them) will usually use the zenkutsu-dachi rather than fudo-dachi. Since present day Shotokan karateka practice kihon and kihon-ippon-kumite regularly, Ten no Kata has become quite obsolete.

TEN NO KATA OMOTE

STEPPING FORWARDS:

Chudan Oi-zuki - RIGHT front stance
Chudan Oi-zuki - LEFT front stance
Jodan Oi-zuki - RIGHT front stance
Jodan Oi-zuki - LEFT front stance
Chudan Gyaku-zuki (right fist) - LEFT front stance
Chudan Gyaku-zuki (left fist) - RIGHT front stance
Jodan Gyaku-zuki (right fist) - LEFT front stance
Jodan Gyaku-zuki (left fist) - RIGHT front stance

STEPPING BACKWARDS:

Gedan Berai - LEFT front stance, Chudan Gyaku-zuki (right fist)
Gedan Berai - RIGHT front stance, Chudan Gyaku-zuki (left fist)
Chudan Uchi-uke - LEFT front stance, Chudan Gyaku-zuki (right fist)
Chudan Uchi-uke - RIGHT front stance, Chudan Gyaku-zuki (left fist)
Chudan Shuto-uke - LEFT back stance / Chudan Nukite (right hand) in front stance
Chudan Shuto-uke - RIGHT back stance / Chudan Nukite (left hand) in front stance
Jodan Shuto-barai - LEFT front stance - Jodan Gyaku-zuki (right fist)
Jodan Shuto-barai - RIGHT front stance - Jodan Gyaku-zuki (left fist)
Jodan Age-uke - LEFT front stance - Chudan Gyaku-zuki (right fist)
Jodan Age-uke - RIGHT front stance - Chudan Gyaku-zuki (left fist)
Jodan Soto-uke - LEFT front stance - Chudan Gyaku-zuki (right fist)
Jodan Soto-uke - RIGHT front stance - Chudan Gyaku-zuki (left fist)

___________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:

FORWARDS: Chudan Oi-zuke / Jodan Oi-zuke
Chudan Gyaku-zuki / Jodan Gyaku-zuki

BACKWARDS: Gedan Barai / Chudan Uchi-uke / Chudan Shuto-uke
Jodan Shuto-barai / Jodan Age-uke / Jodan Soto-uke

TAIKYOKU SANDAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Nov 15, 2010|

Admin

Taikyoku Sandan is the third kata in the Taikyoku series. It follows exactly the same floor pattern as the previous Taikyoku kata. However, it is slightly more complicated than those kata since it requires the performance of several back stances and inside blocks in addition to the front stance, downward blocks, and lunge punches. Practice of this kata is extremely rare in most clubs.

Taikyoku Sandan

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Taikyoku Sandan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1. Turn 90 degrees left into left kokutsu dachi, left chudan uchi uke.
2. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right chudan tsuki.
3. Turn 180 degrees into right kokutsu dachi, right chudan uchi uke.
4. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left chudan tsuki.
5. Turn 90 degrees left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
6. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
7. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
8. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki. KIAI
9. Reverse turn 270 degrees into left kokutsu dachi, left chudan uchi uke.
10. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right chudan tsuki.
11. Turn 180 degrees into right kokutsu dachi right chudan uchi uke.
12. Step left zenkutsu dachi left chudan tsuki.
13. Turn 90 degrees left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
14. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
15. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
16. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki. KIAI
17. Reverse turn 270 degrees to left kokutsu dachi, left chudan uchi uke.
18. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right chudan tsuki.
19. Turn 180 degrees into right kokutsu dachi, right chudan uchi uke.
20. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left chudan tsuki.
Yame, hachiji-dachi

Training Tips:

Remember the count/timing: 1-2-pause (moves 1 and 2), 1-2-pause (moves 3 and 4), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 5, 6, 7, and 8), 1-2-pause (moves 9 and 10),1-2-pause (moves 11 and 12), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 13, 14, 15, and 16), 1-2-pause (moves 17 and 18), 1-2+Kiai and pause (moves 19 and 20).

View Taikyoku Sandan Video

TAIKYOKU SHODAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Admin

The word Taikyoku is often translated as "first cause." Shodan means "first step." Created by Gichin Funakoshi, Taikyoku Shodan is the simplest of all Shotokan style kata.

It contains only one type of block, one type of punch, and one main stance. Therefore, it is no surprise that the kata was created for the primary purpose of teaching elementary school students. Counting the last three created by Henri Plee, there are six Taikyoku kata. However, many Shotokan groups do not practice Taikyoku Shodan or any of the other Taikyoku kata at this time. These groups usually teach Heian Shodan as the first kata.

With the exception of the natural stances at the beginning and end of the kata, all of the techniques are performed while in front stance. Understanding how to assume and move from a front stance is therefore the essential message of Taikyoku Shodan. In addition to moving forward, there are several instances where the student is challenged to perform 90-degree, 180-degree, and 270-degree turns while moving from one front stance to another. Turning is often one of the more confusing aspects of the kata for new students and it should be diligently practiced given that turns appear in all future kata.

Furthermore, while moving in all directions in front stance, the student is also introduced to the two most common forms of hip movement in Shotokan karate, hip rotation and counter rotation. Given that there is only one basic attack (lunge punch) and one basic block (downward block) in the kata, students will be able to focus most of their attention on proper use of the hips while moving in the various directions required by the kata.

TAIKYOKU SHODAN

Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Taikyoku Shodan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi (ready stance).hachiji-dachi.
1. Look left, then turn 90 DEGREES to your left into a left front stance and execute a left low block.
2. Step forward into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch.
3. Picking up the front foot (right foot) and turn 180 DEGREES behind you into a right front stance and execute a right low block.
4. Step forward into a left front stance and execute a left middle punch.
5. Look to your left, pick up the front foot (left foot) and pivot 90 DEGREES on your right leg into a left front stance and execute a left low block.
6. Step forward into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch.
7. Step forward again into a left front stance and execute a left middle punch.
8. Step forward again into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch and KIAI!
9. Moving your back leg (left leg) pivot 270 DEGREES on your right leg into a left front stance and execute a left low block.
10. Step forward into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch.
11. Picking up the front foot (right foot) and turn 180 DEGREES behind you into a right front stance and execute a right low block.
12. Step forward into a left front stance and execute a left middle punch.
13. Look to your left, pick up the front foot (left foot) and pivot 90 DEGREES on your right leg into a left front stance and execute a left low block.
14. Step forward into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch.
15. Step forward again into a left front stance and execute a left middle punch.
16. Step forward again into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch and KIAI!
17. Moving your back leg (left leg) pivot 270 DEGREES on you right leg into a left front stance and execute a left low block.
18. Step forward into a right front stance and execute a right middle punch.
19. Picking up the front foot (right foot) and turn 180 DEGREES behind you into a right front stance and execute a right low block.
20. Step forward into a left front stance and execute a left middle punch.
Yame, hachiji-dachi

Training Tips:

Remember the count/timing: 1-2-pause (moves 1 and 2), 1-2-pause (moves 3 and 4), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 5, 6, 7, and 8), 1-2-pause (moves 9 and 10),1-2-pause (moves 11 and 12), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 13, 14, 15, and 16), 1-2-pause (moves 17 and 18), 1-2+Kiai and pause (moves 19 and 20).

View Taikyoku Shodan Video

TAIKYOKU NIDAN SHOTOKAN

Posted in IMAGE , SHOTOKAN |

Admin

Taikyoku Nidan is practiced in very few Shotokan karate clubs. There is a good reason for this, however, since this kata is almost exactly the same as Taikyoku Shodan. The only difference is that all of the lunge punches are directed to the upper level rather than the middle level.

Taikyoku Nidan

(Same as Taikyoku 1 except change all strikes from chudan tsuki to jodan tsuki. Blocks are the same.)
Salute slowly, musubi-dachi.
Announce “Taikyoku Nidan” in a decisive tone of voice.
Yoi, hachiji-dachi.
1. Turn 90 degrees left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
2. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
3. Turn 180 degrees into right zenkutsu dachi, right gedan barai.
4. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
5. Turn 90 degrees left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
6. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
7. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
8. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki. KIAI.
9. Reverse turn 270 degrees into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
10. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
11. Turn 180 degrees into right zenkutsu dachi, right gedan barai.
12. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
13. Turn 90 degrees left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
14. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
15. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
16. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki. KIAI.
17. Reverse turn 270 degrees to left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
18. Step right zenkutsu dachi, right jodan tsuki.
19. Turn 180 degrees into right zenkutsu dachi, right gedan barai.
20. Step left zenkutsu dachi, left jodan tsuki.
Yame, hachiji-dachi

Training Tips:

Remember the count/timing: 1-2-pause (moves 1 and 2), 1-2-pause (moves 3 and 4), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 5, 6, 7, and 8), 1-2-pause (moves 9 and 10),1-2-pause (moves 11 and 12), 1-2-3-4+Kiai and pause (moves 13, 14, 15, and 16), 1-2-pause (moves 17 and 18), 1-2+Kiai and pause (moves 19 and 20).

ViewTaikyoku Nidan Video