Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Heian Yondan - "Peaceful Mind Number Four"

Heian Yondan introduces new techniques including:

Gedan Juji Uke (downward X block),
Chudan Empi Zuki (middle level elbow strike),
Kake Wake Uke (reverse wedge block),
Kosa Dachi (cross legged stance),
Jodan Mae Geri Keage (upper level front snapping kick), with a "leap" forward into a Kosa Dachi (cross legged stance), and shifting from a Kokutsu Dachi (back stance) to a Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) without moving the feet from the Embusen that they are on.

There are two Kiai points in Heian Yondan:

On the Chudan Uraken (supported middle level back fist) at the top of the Embusen.
On the Chudan Hiza Geri (middle level knee strike) at the bottom of the Embusen.

Tempo (speed)

The tempo of the kata demonstrated below has not been changed for filming. Everyone has their own tempo, however, it should remain similar for all forms/variations.

Demonstration of Kata

Demonstration of Kata Variations

Apart from the common "Omote" (front facing), way of performing kata (as shown above), kata can also be performed, "Ura" (opposite), "Go" (defensive) and "Go no Ura" (defensive opposite). Students will be required to be perform kata variations in advanced gradings.

Sensei Kase introduced these variations explaining that performing kata ura, go, or go no ura is closer to actual application in real fighting circumstances.

"In karate nothing comes to those who wait, but nothing is withheld from those who practice".