Taikyoku Shodan Description
Being that this is the first kata learned in Ten Chi Kenpo you will find basic
movement instructions below and before the actual kata description.
Stepping:
The first katas start from Heisoku Dachi and then go to Kiba Dachi with Marate
Gedan Barai in preparation. These are described separately from the white
belt requirement page. When stepping in the white belt katas, one always
stays as low as possible and the foot slides in a crescent shape when either
coming forward or back. Before movement begins the toes are pointed up to
prevent being caught on the ground and the non moving foot pivots out
approximately 45 degrees from straight ahead to provide more balance in the
movement. The crescent is formed by bringing the moving foot in towards the
body and then out to its final position in a semi-circular motion. The body
should stay low, preferrably not changing height when stepping as to maintain
a rooted balance. The shoulders should stay square and the body sunken as far
into the hips as possible during and after each movement. The final position
is Zenkutso Dachi with the exception of the last movement in the kata.
Turning:
Quarter Turn
The first turn of the kata is a quarter turn left and starts from Kiba Dachi.
For this the weight of the body transfers to the right leg. The left leg is
brought up to the body with the ball of the foot sliding on the ground and the
toes pointed up. The left foot is then pushed out in a semi circle back and
to the left. The body turns with the movement of the foot and pivots
approximately 45 degrees on the right heel. The left foot ends up pointed
straight in the direction of movement (90 degrees left from the starting
position). Again, the turn ends in Kiba Dachi with the left foot forward
(bent) and the rigth leg back (and locked). There is one other quarter turn
which starts from Zenkutso Dachi with the left foot foreward. The only
difference is that the left leg comes back in a half crescent step and then
out in another half crescent step to the 90 degree angle and then the right
foot will need to pivot a whole 90 degrees when positioning to Zenkutso Dachi
again.
Half Turn
The next required turn is a half turn. This will reposition the body 180
degrees from its original position. The half turns in these katas start from
Zenkutso Dachi with the right foot foreward. Weight shifts to the left leg
which bends to maintain a low, balanced stance while the right leg, toes
pointed up, comes back behind the left leg and across the other side just
enough to stretch the position and keep your balance. Using the ball of the
right foot and the heel of the left as your pivot points, the body does a
complete turn to the rear. The pivot should land the right heal in line with
the right ball (pivot) and the left toes/ball at a 45 degree angle to the
outside of the now forward position (back to Zenkutso Dachi).
Three Quarters Turn
This is the final required turn and starts from Zenkutso Dachi with the right
foot forward in the katas. Weight is transfered to the right leg, which is
already bent. Lifting the toes the left leg comes foreward on the right side
of the body and passes the right leg as far as possible without loosing one's
balance and squared position. With the ball of the left foot and the heel of
the right foot, the body turns 270 degrees (three quarters of a full circle)
to the counter-clockwise direction. This should again set the body in a
Zenkutso Dachi position with the left leg forward and bent (foot pointed
straight), and the right leg locked behind (foot pointed out 45 degrees).
The Kata Pattern
This first kata uses Gedan Barai as the block and Chudan Seiken Zuki as the
punch at all times. The stepping pattern performs an "I" on the floor. As
with all katas, the individual starts from Heisoku Dachi and bows Ten Chi
Kenpo giving respect to the teaching that comes from the kata. The step off
is to Kiba Dachi with Marate Gedan Barai.
The first step is a quarter left turn. While bringing the left foot up, the
right arm drops to cover the crotch and the left hand comes to prepare over
the right shoulder. As the left foot steps left, block Gedan Barai left
(remember to bring the other hand back to cover at each block and punch).
Crescent step right and punch Chudan Seiken Zuki right.
Next is a half turn. The punching (right) hand comes to ready over the left
shoulder and the left hand prepares to cover the lower region again. Step
back right into a half turn and block right (cover left). Step/punch left.
Here is the first quarter turn from Zenkutso Dachi. The punching (left) hand
prepares over the right shoulder and the right prepares low. The left leg is
brought to the body, then crescent steps out to the left and block left.
Step/punch right. Step/punch left. Step/punch right and Kia (shout).
After the Kia is the only time that the punching hand does not block. In this
case the punching hand drops and covers low while the covered (left) hand
prepares over the right shoulder. The three quarters turn is made creating a
turn to the right in the counter-clockwise orientation (relative to the last
position). With the left foot forward, block forward. Step/punch right
(remember to cover).
Now is a repeat of the first half of the kata after the first punch. Half
turn with the right leg and block right. Step/punch left. Quarter turn to
the left and block left. Step/punch right. Step/punch left. Step/punch
right and Kia. Three quarter turn ending to the right and block left over
leading left leg. Step/punch right. Half turn clockwise (right) and block
right. Step/punch left.
From here step all the way back almost like a half turn but keep the feet
along a line. Pivot on the left ball and the right heal and come to Kiba
Dachi with Marate Gedan Barai. Stand to Heisoku Dachi and bow again to the
form.
Quick Reference
Heisoku Dachi, bow
Kiba Dachi, Marate Gedan Barai
Quarter turn left, Gedan Barai left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right
Half turn clockwise, Gedan Barai right
Step left, Chudan Seiken Zuki left
Quarter turn left, Gedan Barai left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right
Step left, Chudan Seiken Zuki left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right, Kia
Three quarters turn counter-clockwise, Gedan Barai left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right
Half turn clockwise, Gedan Barai right
Step left, Chudan Seiken Zuki left
Quarter turn left, Gedan Barai left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right
Step left, Chudan Seiken Zuki left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right, Kia
Three quarters turn counter-clockwise, Gedan Barai left
Step right, Chudan Seiken Zuki right
Half turn clockwise, Gedan Barai right
Step left, Chudan Seiken Zuki left
Step back in line, Marate Gedan Barai
Stand Heisoku Dachi, bow
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