Cambridge Karate Club

English - Peaceful Mind; Third 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.

Mastering this kata needs a strong side stance (kiba-dachi). A lot of different turning movements are also introduced.

Video links

Videos from YouTube

Sensei Kanazawa

First quickly, and then slowly. Notice that Sensei Kanazawa uses a raised knee and then stamping kick (fumikomi) rather than the crescent kick (mikazuki-geri) that we use in our club.

Sensei Kawazoe

Slowly, and then quickly from the front and the side. There are some useful comments too. Like Sensei Kanazawa, Sensei Kawazoe uses fumikomi. He also differs slightly in the timing of the final oi-zuki, as he runs the preceding sweeping block straight into this - Sensei Kanazawa finishes this move completely, as do we.