The previous blog was on Kata Bassai Dai. In this blog, we will look at the second Kata of the Tekki series – Kata Tekki Nidan. This is an advanced learner’s Kata and requires some practice. Similar to the Tekki Shodan, here as well you will be using a horse stance to move from side to side. The major difference is that you will be using slightly more complicated hand movements here.

In this Kata, the Karateka uses the following movements:

• Horse stance
• Sweeps
• Back fist attacks
• Sideways, outer forearm and down blocks
• Elbow strikes and breaks
• Double hand back fist strikes
• Grabs and pulls

Start in the same position as Tekki Shodan. Lift your left leg and move it across, the little toes of both feet touching. Lift your elbows up, fists close to each other, with a slight bend in your knees. Lift your right knee up and perform a double back fist with both your hands. Fall into the horse stance with a double punch to the right, turning your head towards the right.

Open your left hand, and perform an outer forearm block using the right hand, with your left palm resting just above the elbow. Now straighten, turn your head, lift your leg, move across, and perform an inner forearm block with open hand support.

Next come back up with your legs together, bring your hands together, fists touching as you breathe slowly. Turn your head to the other side, and repeat the movements starting with the double back fist, horse stance and ending in the inner forearm block with open hand support.

Now interchange the position by having the supporting hand in a fist and the blocking hand in an open palm. Perform an inner forearm block to the right along with the support. Drag your hand back, pulling it towards your waist, lift your knee and deliver an elbow strike with a Kiai!

Breathe towards the same side as the elbow strike, make a right angle on the left hand, move your leg across bringing the little toes together, lift your knee and perform an inner forearm block. Place your left hand on the right, pull back towards your chest, down block and back fist strike.

Open your right hand and bring it down near your waist, fingers pointing downwards. Support it with the other hand in a fist. Perform an inner forearm block to the other side, and an elbow strike with the knee up. Breathe with a slow count towards your left, head turn towards the front, with a right angle on the right hand.

Now turn your head towards the left, bring your little toes together, lift your knee, move into a horse stance with an inner forearm block, and perform a down block and a back fist strike. Come back up with your legs joined, take position, spread your left leg, bow and end the Kata.

It’s not enough to have a good understanding of the movements. You need to practice until you get them right every time. In the next blog, we will be exploring the Kata Kanku Dai. Continue reading and training to master the moves.