Tekki Shodan Shotokan Kata

http://www.shotokanunleashed.com Tekki Shodan, literally meaning "Iron Horse Riding, First Level", is the first of a series of three kata practiced in many styles of karate. The other two kata in the series are Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan.

The Tekki series of kata were changed and renamed by Gichin Funakoshi from Naihanchi to Tekki.

Naihanchi was derived from an older, original kata, Nifanchin. Nifanchin was brought to Okinawa via Fuzhou, China, at some point in the long history of trade between the two kingdoms. It was broken into three distinct segments, possibly by master Anko Itosu, Tokumine Pechin, or Motobu Choki.

The kata are performed entirely in Kiba dachi ("Horse riding stance"). The name Tekki itself (and Nifanchin) translates to "Iron Horse."

The Tekki series of kata are great conditioning for the legs and with practice, develop explosive power in the legs.

In the earlier days of karate training, it was common practice for a student to spend 2-3 years doing nothing but Naihanchi, under the strict observation of their teacher. Motobu Choki, famous for his youthful brawling at tsuji (red-light district), credited the kata with containing all that one needs to know to become a proficient fighter.
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Performed by Linden Huckle of http://www.zanshinmkd.com