Like Karate? You'll Love this Heian Application

Do you study Karate? Then you are sure to be interested in this. We learn kata (forms) but we rarely get a solid explanation of what the movements really mean. Well now's your chance to find out.

I've spent many years researching Shotokan Kata and I would like to share just a little bit of what I've learned. In this article is just one application from the opening sequence of Heian Shodan:

The slideshow above shows the opening sequence of Heian Shodan, which is the first major kata a student of Shotokan learns. Now, what we are often taught is that is that this is a block to either a punch or a kick coming from the left side.

Well here's another thought. What if we do indeed turn to the left, but the attack isn't a punch or kick, but a wrist grab instead, from the front.

To make things simpler look at the next sequence of photos. They show a step to the right instead of left, but that doesn't matter as you can do the mirror technique against a left hand cross grab:

So that's it. This is just one application of several that are quite straightforward from this one set of movements alone.

Breaking the Balance - Kuzushi

It's important to note that much of Karate is actually about various forms of grappling. All this is hidden and little known, simply because the founding fathers of Shotokan didn't see the need to teach it anymore.

The principle of Kuzushi, which is Japanese for "Destroying the posture" is fundamental to true Okinawan Karate.

So time to get practising! See you next time.

Buy the Book

If you liked this article then please take a look at my book which covers this subject in great detail. Just click the picture below:

Thanks for reading!