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Osu Dachi

Taikyoku

Taikyoku Sono Ni

太極その二

The second Taikyoku kata, similar to the first but with Jodan (upper level) techniques instead of Chudan.

  • Orange Belt
  • Beginner
  • 20 movements
  • I-Shape

Step-by-Step Guide

22 steps

Read one movement, perform it slowly, then move on.

This kata is counted as 20 movements, while the step list below runs to 22 written lines, so the two numbers differ.

  1. Yoi - the kata is called from Fudo Dachi and the feet draw together into Musubi Dachi for the formal opening; on the command Yoi, open again into the ready position (dojos differ over whether Yoi itself is taken in Fudo Dachi or Heiko Dachi)

  2. Turn 90° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm

  3. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki (upper lunge punch) with right fist

  4. Turn 180° to the right into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with right arm

  5. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist

  6. Turn 90° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm

  7. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist

  8. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist

  9. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist - Kiai

  10. Turn 270° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm

  11. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist

  12. Turn 180° to the right into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with right arm

  13. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist

  14. Turn 90° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm

  15. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist

  16. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist

  17. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist - Kiai

  18. Turn 270° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm

  19. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist

  20. Turn 180° to the right into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with right arm

  21. Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist

  22. Naore - turn 90° to the left, drawing the left foot back into Musubi Dachi, then open to Fudo Dachi

Key Points

The points most worth checking your own performance against.

  • Upper level punches require good shoulder flexibility and control
  • Guard your centerline when executing high techniques
  • Keep the same power generation as middle level punches
  • Only the punches change from Sono Ichi: the eight blocks are still Gedan Barai in Zenkutsu Dachi, and the turns, sides and floor pattern are identical

Purpose

To practice upper level techniques while maintaining the same embusen pattern, developing versatility in target areas.

Practice Video

A full-speed performance, for once the written form makes sense.

Learning order

Kata 2 of 14