Tekki Sodan



Tekki Shodan is a karate kata that is practiced in various styles of karate, including Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Shito-Ryu. The kata consists of a series of movements and techniques that are designed to be performed in a specific sequence.

The name "Tekki Shodan" can be translated to mean "Iron Horse, First Level" or "Iron Horse, First Step". The "iron horse" refers to the stance used in the kata, which is a low, stable stance that resembles a horse stance. The kata also includes various strikes, blocks, kicks, and other techniques that are performed from this stance.

Tekki Shodan is considered to be a fundamental kata and is often one of the first katas that students learn when they begin their karate training. It is also a popular kata in competition and is often used as a basis for other more advanced katas.

Tekki Shodan features a number of different stances and techniques, including a specific stance and punch. The stance used in Tekki Shodan is known as "Kiba-Dachi", which is also called the "Horse Riding Stance" or "Straddle Stance".

In Kiba-Dachi, the feet are shoulder-width apart, with the toes pointed straight ahead. The knees are bent deeply, with the thighs parallel to the ground, and the weight is evenly distributed between both feet. The back is straight, and the arms are held in a guarding position in front of the body.

The punch used in Tekki Shodan is called "Choku-Zuki", which is a straight punch delivered from the guard position in Kiba-Dachi. To perform Choku-Zuki, the punch is delivered straight ahead, with the arm extending fully and the fist turning over at the end of the punch so that the knuckles face down. The punch is typically performed with a kiai, or shout, to help generate power and focus the mind

Bunkai refers to the practical application of the techniques contained within a kata. In the case of Tekki Shodan, there are many different bunkai applications that can be derived from the kata's movements.

Some examples of bunkai applications for Tekki Shodan include:

Block and counterattack: One bunkai application for the opening sequence of Tekki Shodan involves using the initial blocks to defend against an opponent's attack, and then countering with strikes and kicks.


Joint locks and throws: Many of the movements in Tekki Shodan can be used to apply joint locks or throws to an opponent, such as twisting the wrist or elbow and throwing the opponent to the ground.


Close-range strikes: Tekki Shodan contains many close-range strikes, such as elbow strikes and knee strikes, that can be used to strike an opponent who is in close proximity.


Defending against multiple attackers: Another bunkai application for Tekki Shodan involves defending against multiple attackers, using the movements to block and strike while moving through the space.

It is important to note that the bunkai applications for Tekki Shodan, like all kata, may vary depending on the interpretation of the practitioner and their individual martial arts style.