All oriental martial arts systems have a series of formal exercises; in Japanese the term is 'Kata'. Kata are designed around a floor pattern. The beginning forms follow a basic 'I' or 'H' pattern. Kata basically begin and end in the same place. The beginning kata incorporate the four basic Cardinal Points or directions. Intermediate and advanced forms utilize different angles and more complicated floor patterns. The following terms are commonly used to describe directional movements in forms:
Compass points: Used as references for changing directions. All kata start with the student facing a conceptual North; South is behind; East is right; and West is left.
Clock face: Also used as references for changing directions. All kata start with the student facing a conceptual 12:00; 6:00 is behind; 3:00 is right; 9:00 is left.
Clockwise: Turning refers to a direction consistent with the way clock hands turn. Counter-clockwise is just the opposite.
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Taikyoku Shodan: "First cause/effort"
Required for Ninth Kyu Yellow Belt
*Note: All punches are middle level unless otherwise stated. Also you should start and end in the same place.
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Return to ready posture.
Pivot counterclockwise on R foot in to L low block in L Front stance, step forward in to R Front stance with R punch.
Pivot clockwise on L foot into R low block in R front stance,
step forward in L Front stance with L punch.
Pivot counterclockwise no R foot into L Low block in L Front stance.
Step forward into R Front Stance executing R punch.
Step forward into L Front Stance executing L punch.
Step forward into R Front Stance executing R punch.
Pivot counterclockwise on R foot in to L low block in L Front stance,
step forward in to R Front stance with R punch.
Pivot clockwise on L foot into R low block in R front stance,
step forward in L Front stance with L punch.
Pivot counterclockwise on R foot into L Low block in L Front stance.
Step forward into R Front Stance executing R punch.
Step forward into L Front Stance executing L punch.
Step forward into R Front Stance executing R punch.
Pivot counterclockwise on R foot in to L low block in L Front stance,
step forward in to R Front stance with R punch.
Pivot clockwise on L foot into R low block in R front stance,
step forward in L Front stance with L punch.
Return to Ready posture, move L foot to attention posture, Bow.
