Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Taikyoku Shodan - "First Cause"

Taikyoku Shodan is the most basic kata taught in the Shotokan syllabus and is primarily to teach beginners some of the fundamental aspects of kata.

Embusen

There are two kiai points in Taikyoku Shodan:

On the last chudan oi tsuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top of the embusen.
On the last chudan oi tsuki 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.

"It is far better to do a few katas very well, than a great many katas very badly. Train with patience".