Where can I find the moves required for the first cata of Karate - Yan-sho-dan?

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Clarification of Question by ted9294-ga on 09 Nov 2002 15:24 PST

The Karate method is Shotokan.  The Sensei trains us every week, but
with no written instructions or methodology it is hard to remember the
exact steps. Therefore our learning is not fast.  Is there a set of
instructions anywhere for this cata?

Hello Ted,

I am fairly certain I found your kata. The resource even comes with an
online video to view! I think what we need here is actually the "Heian
Shodan", the kata that would be performed for advancement to your
yellow belt.

Here is the site with the videos(has them all):

Heian Shodan Kata Video (and many more)
http://jka.uchicago.edu/kata.html

I also found a written explanation of how to perform the kata:
http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/fuji/2890/heiansho.html

If this video , by chance, is not the correct one - please ask for
further clarification before rating this answer, as I would love to be
of further assistance.

To help with this answer I searched Google for:

shotokan katas
://www.google.com/search?q=shotokan+katas

Thanks for the great question Ted!
SgtCory

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Clarification of Answer by sgtcory-ga on 09 Nov 2002 15:45 PST

Hello again Ted,

This one is great - has a general map and detailed explanation of
every move. Hope it helps and good luck with your advancement!

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~karate/heianshodan.html

Thanks again,
SgtCory

Quick, courteous reply.  Have yet to look at the video, and I hope it
will be a great help. Thank you.

Just as a comment from one martial artist to another, I've been taking
Hung Ga Southern Style Kung Fu for almost 2 years now. Knowing the
form is about 5% of your training, the application of each step of the
form, plus knowing correct breathing, muscle tightening/relaxation is
the other 95%. So knowing the form in its totality may look pretty,
but won't actually improve your fighting potential. Try not to rush
ahead of where your Sensei has placed you, he often knows his students
better than they know themselves, and if you do decide to progress,
try not to go too far. You may pick up bad habits or ingrain wrong
movements that will be hard to unlearn. Instead, use videos or books
as references that you can get your Sensei's opinion on, and try to
help you understand better. Best of luck with your Shotokan, and hope
to see you eventually at a mixed martial arts competition!

skermit-ga