Heian / Pinan

平安 / 平安

Set of five foundational student Katas (Shodan through Godan) created by Master Anko Itosu.

Quick Facts

CategoryConcept / Principle

Pronunciation/[hay-ahn] / [pee-nahn]/

Alternative NamesPeaceful mind, Five foundational pupil katas

Definition

Heian (Okinawan: Pinan, meaning 'peaceful mind') is the five-part kata series engineered by Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu around 1900. Modernizing Karate for Okinawan public schools, these forms structure all basic stances, blocks, and strikes.

Related Terms

Kyu / Gup級 / 급

Student technical grade prior to attaining the master Dan ranks.

Kata型 / 形

Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.

Kihon基本

Repetitive practice of foundational techniques (blocks, strikes, kicks, stances) forming Budo's core.

Shodan / 1st Dan初段

First degree black belt rank (1st Dan) in Japanese and Korean martial arts.

Associated Martial Arts

Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Shito-ryu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu