Instructions for Shotokan Kata - Taikyoku Shodan (Kihon Kata)

This page provides videos and instructions for Shotokan Karate kata "Taikyoku Shodan". These tools will help you prepare for your next belt test. Taikyoku Shodan is also known as one of the Shotokan kihon katas.

Written step-by-step instructions for this kihon kata are at the bottom of the page. This kata focuses on Gedan Barai (low or downward blocks) and Chudan Oi Zuki (middle lunge punches). This introductory kata is used by some Shotokan schools as a tool for color belt students (non-black belts). For other Shotokan katas (i.e. Heian Shodan), please visit the main Shotokan Karate Katas page.

Section supported by Shotokan Books.

Written Instructions for Shotokan Kata - Taikyoku Shodan

• Ready stance
• Turn left 90 degrees, left front stance, left low (downward) block
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch
• Turn right 180 degrees, right front stance, right low (downward) block
• Step forward, left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Turn left 90 degrees, left front stance, left low (downward) block
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch
• Step forward, left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch, yell Kiai
• Turn left 270 degrees, left front stance, left low (downward) block
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch
• Turn right 180 degrees, right front stance, right low (downward) block
• Step forward, left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Turn left 90 degrees, left front stance, left low (downward) block
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch
• Step forward, left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch, yell Kiai
• Turn left 270 degrees, left front stance, left low (downward) block
• Step forward, right front stance, right middle lunge punch
• Turn right 180 degrees, right front stance, right low (downward) block
• Step forward, left front stance, left middle lunge punch
• Return to ready stance

Reference Sources

1. Written instructions for Shotokan Kata Taikyoku Shodan are courtesy of , Added - 12/10/13