At Kumade Karate, Taikyoku Shodan (lit. 'Supreme Ultimate, Grade One') is the first kata we teach to students. It is widely regarded as the most simple and easy-to-learn kata. With a repetitive structure, simple floor pattern and only 3 techniques, it is a great starting point for students learning kata.
This kata is required for 9th kyu and above
Tutorial Video Coming Soon!
Techniques:
Kiai Count: 2
This kata uses only three techniques:
- Gedan Barai - Downward Block. This block is always done over the leading leg.
- Oi Zuki - Lunge Punch. This is a lunge punch that is always done over the leading leg.
- Zenkutsu Dachi - Long Forward Stance. The only stance used in this kata is the long forward stance, used for its stability, ease of movement and power.
Kata Information:
Taikyoku Shodan is the first kata in a set of kata called the Taikyoku series, which is a collective set of 6 that involve basic Karate techniques. The name Taikyoku (太極) stems directly from Chinese, where it is pronounced 'Tai Ji' and refers to the philosophical concept of a grand principle that embodies all potential things, including time and space.
The Shodan (初段) part of the name refers to the grade or level of this kata, in this case the 'beginning level'.
The Taikyoku series was originally developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi and implemented by Gichin Funakoshi as a means of providing a suitable, early stage platform for young Karate students to put their basic techniques to use in a kata format and further introduce students into the practice of kata.