Instructions for Shotokan Kata - Heian Sandan

This page provides video and written instructions for Shotokan Karate kata - Heian Sandan. This is one of the Shotokan katas for color belt (non-black belt) Karate students. These instructions will help you to prepare for your next Shotokan Karate belt test. Heian Sandan is the third Shotokan kata (behind Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan).

Written step-by-step instructions for this kata are at the bottom of the page. You should also visit the Shotokan Bunkai - Heian Sandan page for practical applications of this kata. For other Shotokan katas, please visit the main Shotokan Karate Katas page.

Section supported by Shotokan books.

Written Instructions for Shotokan Karate Kata - Heian Sandan

• Heian Sandan has 20 movements. This kata requires accurate Shotokan stances (dachi).
• Ready position
• Turn left 90 degrees and step forward left back stance, left middle inside block
• Bring right foot to left, informal-attention stance, left downward block, simultaneous right middle inside block
• Remain in place, right downward block, simultaneous left middle inside block
• Turn right 180 degrees, pivoting on left foot, right back stance, right middle inside block
• Bring left foot to right, informal-attention stance, right downward block, simultaneous left middle inside block
• Remain in place, left downward block, simultaneous right middle inside block
• Turn left 90 degrees, pivoting on the right foot, left back stance, left middle augmented forearm block
• Step forward right front stance, left middle pressing block, simultaneous right middle spear-hand thrust
• Turn left 270 degrees, pivoting on the right foot, horse riding stance, left middle bottom-fist strike (to the side)
• Turn left 90 degrees, pivoting on the left foot, step forward right front stance, right middle lunge punch, yell Kiai
• Bring left foot to the right, pivot left 180 degrees on the right foot, informal-attention stance (slowly), bring fists to hips, elbows to the sides, backs of fists face forward
• Remain in place, right middle crescent-kick block
• Step forward with kicking foot, pivot left 90 degrees into horse riding stance, block middle attack from side with right elbow
• Remain in place, right upper back-fist strike
• Turn right 90 degrees, pivoting on the right foot, left middle crescent-kick block
• Step forward with kicking foot, pivot right 90 degrees into horse riding stance, block middle attack from side with left elbow
• Remain in place, left upper back-fist strike
• Turn left 90 degrees, pivoting on left foot, right middle crescent-kick block
• Step forward with kicking foot, pivot left 90 degrees into horse riding stance, block middle attack from side with right elbow
• Remain in place, right upper back-fist strike
• Remain in place, right middle slow knife-hand block, cocking motion only (to the side)
• Turn right 90 degrees, pivoting on the right foot, step forward left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Bring right foot to left, then out to right side (horse riding stance-width), pivot left 180 degrees on right foot, step out to left with left foot, left horse riding stance, left middle back elbow block, simultaneous right punch over left shoulder
• Slide both feet left, horse riding stance, right middle back elbow block, simultaneous left punch over right shoulder, yell Kiai
• Pull right foot in into ready position, facing same direction as you started

References

1. American Shotokan Karate Federation, Heian Sandan, http://www.askf.org/katas/heian_sandan.asp, Added - 01/14/14