New Version of Kata Performed by Sensei M. Yahara JKA

This Kata introduces one of the most difficult stances to master Kiba-dachi, and continues training in multiple techniques from one stance. It gives practice in defending with the feet and elbows if the arms are restrained, and a response to an attack from the rear.

There are 20 movements in this Kata, which should take approximately 40 seconds to perform.

The old name for the Heian Kata was Pinan. These Kata were developed by Yatasune Itosu as intermediate Kata to the much longer main Kata of Shorin-Ryu. He did not make them up however, they were based on much older training forms called Channan, which had their origin in China.

Master Funakoshi considered Pinan Shodan too difficult for an introductory Kata so he changed Pinan Nidan to Heian Shodan and Pinan Shodan to Heian Nidan.

For beginners, a somewhat simplified version of Heian Shodan was introduced, which is called Taikyoku Shodan. This is most often used for 9th Kyu gradings as a "stepping-stone" to Heian Shodan.