Taikyoku Shodan (aka Kihon Kata)

    Many Shotokan karate schools don't do this kata anymore but Gichin Funakoshi considered it the first kata one should learn.  If you are a beginner training at home, you may find it useful to start with this kata just to familiarize yourself with the idea.

Kata Diagram

Video

Commentary on the Taikyoku Kata

TAIKYOKU (THE FIRST CAUSE)

These are actually three numbered Kata, Shodan (first), Nidan (second), Sandan (third). As these Kata are the easiest to learn and consist of the combinations of the most useful blocks and attacks for Kihon (foundational exercises), these are the ones beginners should start with. These Kata and the Ten no Kata, which are described later, are the product of my many years of research in the art of Karate. If exercised regularly, they give a harmonious development of the body and a natural ability to use it correctly. In addition, the student who has acquired dexterity in Kihon (fundamental exercises) and who understands the essence of the Kata of Ta'ikyoku, will understand the deep meaning of the maxim “KARATE NI SENTE NASHI” (in Karate, the first attack does not bring any advantage). It is for all of these reasons that I gave them the name Ta'ikyoku.

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    Execute the Kata movements lightly and correctly until their succession is mastered, then apply force to the movements. Even more, it is very important that the Kata is worked on repeatedly, until unconsciously, each movement is executed correctly. 

    Taikyoku Nidan's move sequences are identical to those of Shodan except that in Nidan all punches are scored at upper level instead of medium level.
    In Taikyoku Sandan, the low blocks along lines 1 and 3 of Taikyoku Shodan are replaced by medium level blocks (Ude-uke aka uchi-uke) performed in the Kokutsu stance and the sequences of three medium attacks along line 2 become sequences of upper level attacks, the rest of the movements being identical to those of Taikyoku Shodan.   -Gichin Funakoshi