Heian Yondan Instructional Video

Download Full Video

Heian Yondan means the fourth of the Heian series (Shotokan Karate). It is related to the advanced kata Kanku-dai. Just as the Pinan series of forms relate to the more advance Kushanku (Wado Karate)

The major points are expansion/contraction, blocking and finishing techniques. There are 27 movements, which should take about 50 seconds to perform.

Heian means "peaceful mind". This kata is the fourthof five introductory kata, developed by Yasutsune Itosu (one of Gichin Funakoshi's instructors). Although scholars do not agree on how the Heian kata were created, it is commonly stated that all are derived in some part from the higher level kata Kanku-dai. Funakoshi, (or Itosu) created the Heian series of kata for introduction into the public high school curriculum, removing or de-emphasizing some of the more dangerous techniques found in the advanced kata. This was done at the beginning of the 20th century.

Professional narration coupled with full and slow motion, split screen instruction. Download or order on CD.