The previous blog introduced the various techniques for purple belts. Now we will look at the pattern of movements for Kata Heian Yondan. This Kata is the fourth of the Katas of the Heian series. In this Kata, the Karateka uses the following movements.

• Back stance movements
• Forward stance movements
• Open hand blocks
• Double hand blocks
• Cross handed blocks for low kicks
• Side kicks
• Elbow strikes
• Knee strikes
• Jumping back fist strikes

Look to the left and switch to a back stance, both hands down and together in a diamond shape. Breathe in, tighten your stomach and release the breath while raising your hands slowly, 90-degree angle on the left hand and 45-degree upper block with the right hand. Turn to the other side, switching your weight and repeat the breathing and raising your hands sequence.

Now join your left leg to the right, cross your hands and pull back. Move to a forward stance, cross your hands and perform a downward block. Keep your left leg pointed to the left, switch to a back stance and double hand inner forearm block towards the front.

Next, a side kick and back fist to the left, move to forward stance and finish with an elbow strike. Repeat this on the other side. Look straight and open both hands, right hand in front of the forehead and left hand performing a downward block. Shift your weight to a forward stance in the straight line, do a neck chop, front kick and finish with a jumping back fist strike and “Kiai”.

Now turn to the back, pull your hands to your waist and move to a back stance at a 45-degree to the straight line. Cross your hands in front of you for a block, clench your fists and pull down slowly while breathing, perform a front kick and a double punch. Switch to a back stance at a 45-degree angle to the other side and repeat the movements.

Next move back to the straight line in a back stance and execute three consecutive double hand inner forearm blocks. Switch to a forward stance, cross your hands with open palms, move the hands apart, and hit with both as if you’re striking the ears of the opponent. Grab the opponent’s head for a knee strike, join the legs, move forward for a back stance, and end in another back stance.

The complexity of the Katas builds up as we progress into the series. The movements in Heian Yondan need to be practiced regularly in order to perfect the technique. In our next blog, we will take a look at the Techniques for Brown Belts.