Instructions
Hello, Karateka! Today, we'll explore the awesome defensive moves in karate and find the secret power shouts in your first kata, Heian Shodan. Read each part carefully and complete the fun activities below.
Part 1: Know Your Blocks!
In karate, a block is called an "Uke" (oo-keh). It's a defensive move you use to protect yourself from an attack. The blocks in Heian Shodan protect different parts of your body.
Activity: Draw a line to match the Japanese name of the block to its correct description.
| Block Name | What It Does |
|---|---|
| 1. Gedan Barai (Geh-dan Bah-rye) |
A. Protects your head from a high attack. It's also called a "Rising Block". |
| 2. Age Uke (Ah-geh Oo-keh) |
B. A strong block using the "knife-edge" of your open hand. |
| 3. Shuto Uke (Shoo-toh Oo-keh) |
C. Protects your stomach and legs. It's a "Low Block" or "Downward Sweep". |
Part 2: Find the Kiai in Heian Shodan!
A "Kiai" (kee-eye) is a strong shout you make during a powerful move. It helps you focus all your energy and spirit! In the Heian Shodan kata, there are exactly two moments where you must Kiai.
Activity: Heian Shodan is like a story told with karate moves. Read the story below and circle the TWO sentences that describe the moves where you shout!
The Story of Heian Shodan
- First, you turn to the left for a low block and follow with a middle punch.
- Then, you turn all the way around to the right for a low block and a middle punch.
- Next, you turn to the front for a low block.
- You take three big steps forward, doing a rising block (Age Uke) each time.
- After that, you spin to the left for a low block and a punch.
- You turn all the way around again for another low block and punch.
- Again, you turn to the front for a low block.
- Now, you take three big steps forward, doing a strong middle punch (Oi Zuki) each time.
- To finish, you perform four cool knife-hand blocks (Shuto Uke) in the corners.
Answer Key
Part 1 Answers: Match the Blocks!
Here are the correct matches for the karate blocks:
- 1. Gedan Barai matches with C. Protects your stomach and legs. It's a "Low Block" or "Downward Sweep".
- 2. Age Uke matches with A. Protects your head from a high attack. It's also called a "Rising Block".
- 3. Shuto Uke matches with B. A strong block using the "knife-edge" of your open hand.
Part 2 Answers: Find the Kiai!
A Kiai happens on the third and final move of a sequence. The two sentences you should have circled are:
- You take three big steps forward, doing a rising block (Age Uke) each time.
(The Kiai is on the third rising block!)
- Now, you take three big steps forward, doing a strong middle punch (Oi Zuki) each time.
(The Kiai is on the third middle punch!)