Heian Nidan, the second of the
Heian Kata series is a very popular kata among new students. This kata
is a very powerful kata, which builds upon the fundamentals introduced
in Heian Shodan, while also using new techniques.
The representative movements of
this kata, like most, are the opening techniques Haiwan uke, the double
block followed by the punch. This develops a strong use of the hips,
while developing the ability to execute more than one technique from one
position, while generating impressive amounts of power.
With 26 movements, this kata
should approximately take about 50-60 seconds to perform, and is more
physically demanding, both athletically and fundamentally than Heian
Shodan, acting as a useful stepping-stone.
As mentioned in Heian Shodan,
the Heian Kata are representative of Karate-Do, and represents the
attitude that must accompany the karate training. The word Heian is also
used in Japanese history to describe the period between 794-1192, a
time of unprecedented peace and security throughout the land, under the
rule of the Heian dynasty.
When you then think about the
symbolic significance of the word ‘Heian’, a deeper respect and
appreciation for the kata will follow
