Taikyoku
Taikyoku Sono San
太極その三
The third Taikyoku kata. It keeps the embusen of the first two, but the blocks on the turns become Chudan Uchi Uke taken in Kokutsu Dachi, and the punch level changes with the direction of travel.
- Orange Belt with Blue Stripe
- Beginner
- 20 movements
- I-Shape
Step-by-Step Guide
22 stepsRead 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.
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)
Turn 90° to the left into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke (middle inside block) with left arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with right fist
Turn 180° to the right into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke with right arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with left fist
Turn 90° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist - Kiai
Turn 270° to the left into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke with left arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with right fist
Turn 180° to the right into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke with right arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with left fist
Turn 90° to the left into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Gedan Barai with left arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with left fist
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Jodan Oi Tsuki with right fist - Kiai
Turn 270° to the left into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke with left arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with right fist
Turn 180° to the right into Kokutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Uchi Uke with right arm
Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi, execute Chudan Oi Tsuki with left fist
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.
- Block in Kokutsu Dachi on the turns, then step out of it into Zenkutsu Dachi for the punch that follows
- Smooth transitions between different striking levels
- Consistent power regardless of target height
- The references consulted for this page agree that the punches along the side arms are Chudan and the three up and back the middle are Jodan; none of them is an official organisation syllabus, so confirm the levels your own organisation grades
Purpose
To introduce Kokutsu Dachi and the inside block, and to develop changing stance and target level without losing the floor pattern.
Practice Video
A full-speed performance, for once the written form makes sense.
Learning order
Kata 3 of 14