Heian Shodan – Meaning, Steps & Bunkai

Meaning & Origin

The kata Heian Shodan (平安初段) is part of the Heian series in Shotokan Karate. Its name—translatable as “peaceful mind I”—refers to mastering inner tension before combat. Master Gichin Funakoshi systematized it to prepare practitioners in the fundamentals of self-defense through simple yet powerful footwork.

Although it’s the first kata in the Heian series, it was developed after Heian Nidan but placed first for its greater accessibility to beginners.

It consists of 21 movements completed in approximately 42 seconds.

Steps & Bunkai

Heian Shodan, designed with Karate Notes
  1. Gedan Barai – Left Zenkutsu Dachi: Low block against a kick or punch.
  2. Oi Tsuki – Left Zenkutsu Dachi: Counterattack after the block. In bunkai or self-defense, applied without stepping forward.
  3. Turn, Gedan Barai – Right Zenkutsu Dachi.
  4. No step, Tetsui Uchi – Right Zenkutsu Dachi: Release from a grab and hammer-fist counter. Unique asymmetric technique.
  5. Oi Tsuki – Left Zenkutsu Dachi: Counter after release.
  6. Turn forward, Gedan Barai – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  7. Age Uke – Right Zenkutsu Dachi: High block; also usable as an attack with the preparatory hand.
  8. Age Uke – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  9. Kiai, Age Uke – Right Zenkutsu Dachi.
  10. Turn right, Gedan Barai – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  11. Oi Tsuki – Right Zenkutsu Dachi.
  12. Turn back, Gedan Barai – Right Zenkutsu Dachi.
  13. Oi Tsuki – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  14. Turn forward, Gedan Barai – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  15. Oi Tsuki – Right Zenkutsu Dachi.
  16. Oi Tsuki – Left Zenkutsu Dachi.
  17. Oi Tsuki – Right Zenkutsu Dachi: Rhythm can be 1–-2-–3 or 1-–2-3.
  18. Turn right, Shuto Uke – Left Kokutsu Dachi.
  19. Shuto Uke – Right Kokutsu Dachi: Middle block; can serve as attack with throw or indirect strike.
  20. Turn back, Shuto Uke – Right Kokutsu Dachi.
  21. KIAI, Shuto Uke – Left Kokutsu Dachi.

Execution Tips

Heian Shodan combines three-level defenses (yodan, chudan, gedan) and direct chudan attacks. The main challenge is mastering directional changes and leg movement.

General rule: direct your gaze before each movement. Keep hips low and grounded.

Conclusion

Mastering this kata strengthens the karateka’s technical foundation and tactical understanding. Study each bunkai to integrate defensive and offensive strategies in real combat.

References

  • Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-Do Kyohan
  • Masatoshi Nakayama, Best Karate Vol. 5
  • Rob Redmond, Kata, the folk dances of Shotokan
  • Gennosuke Higaki, Hidden Karate