Cambridge Karate Club

English - Peaceful Mind; Fifth Step

The Heian series of katas were created by Sensei Itosu, for teaching karate in Okinawan middle schools. They were completed in 1905, and were originally called the Pinan katas - many styles of karate still use this name. Sensei Funakoshi changed the name to the more Japanese sounding Heian. According to Sensei Kanazawa, the kata were given a name signifying peace and tranquility as all five katas in the series begin and end with blocking movements.

Rhythm is again very important in this kata. Remember also to make sure that you show a difference between the front stance and back stance in the nukite strike and pull back to manji-gamae at the end.

Video links

Videos from YouTube

Sensei Kanazawa

First quickly, and then slowly.

Paul James

Very sharp and fast - competition style.