Taikyoku sono ni

Background

Also known as Taikyoku Nidan this is the first in a series of Kata developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, and used in the many styles that have developed from Shotokan, including Kyokushin and Seido. A modified version of this series is used in Gojo Ryu.

Taikyoku means "First Course" and refers to the fact that they were designed to be the first kata learned. Taikyoku also refers to the state before creation.

Form

1. Look 90° left, left foot steps left into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
2. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
3. Look over the right shoulder. Right foot steps back. Turn 180° into right zenkutsu dachi. right gedan barai.
4. Step forward into left zenkutsu dachi, jjodan oi tsuki.
5. Look 90° left. Left foot step back to right, and out to left. Turn into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
6. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
7. Step forward into left zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
8. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki. Kaia
9. Left foot swings right 90°, Turn into zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
10. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
11. Look over the right shoulder. Right foot steps back. Turn 180° into right zenkutsu dachi. right gedan barai.
12. Step forward into left zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
13. Look 90° left. Left foot step back to right, and out to left. Turn into left zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
14. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
15. Step forward into left zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
16. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki. Kaia
17. Left foot swings right 90°, Turn into zenkutsu dachi, left gedan barai.
18. Step forward into right zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.
19. Look over the right shoulder. Right foot steps back. Turn 180° into right zenkutsu dachi. right gedan barai.
20. Step forward into left zenkutsu dachi, jodan oi tsuki.