Saturday, January 16, 2010

Kihon Kata Taikyoku Shodan PDF and Slide Show

Check out ths kihon kata pdf and slideshow (below)
Kihon kata or Taikyoku Shodan(the original name), is the first kata practiced by many shotokan groups.


The founder of Shotokan karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi (pictured), developed six taikyoku kata. The six taikyoku kata are,



1. Taikyoku Shodan
2. Taikyoku Nidan
3. Taikyoku Sandan
4. Taikyoku Yondan
5. Taikyoku Godan
6. Taikyoku Rokudan


Some shotokan groups still practice these six basic kata, but the majority of shotokan dojo do not, and have taikyoku shodan (kihon kata), or heian shodan as their first kata.

Kata literally translates as form. Kata is a Japanese word describing set patterns of movements practiced alone or with a partner. Master Gichin Funakoshi's 20 precepts.


Kihon - Literally translated as "foundation" or "beginning"

Taikyoku - Literally translated as "first course" or "basic ultimate"