Tekki shodan is the first of three Tekki kata and translates as ‘iron horse first level’

The older name for Tekki is Naihanchi (inside divided conflict). Some karate historians believe master Anko Itosu developed three kata from Naihanchi which was derived from an older kata called Nifanchin.

The Tekki series of kata were renamed by Funakoshi from the Naihanchi kata, which were derived from an older, original kata from Fuzhou, China, which was called Nifanchin.

Tekki shodan is performed in a straight line and is all practiced in kiba dachi (horse riding stance).

Many karateka simply use the upper body when practicing this kata, but the real power and understanding of the Tekki kata comes from the legs and hips.

In our advanced Tekki Shodan tutorial we will go into detail and explain how and when the hips and legs are used. My sensei could generate tremendous power from short distances and he accredited his ability to do this entirely to much study and practice of the Tekki kata.

Many of the techniques within the kata have to be executed from an extremely short distance, so if the legs and hips are not used, the these techniques will be ineffective.

Tekki Shodan (鉄騎初段)Top Tips1. Make sure to keep the kiba dachi strong throughout the kata, try not to let the knees cave inwards, or push them out.2. Try not to telegraph your techniques, which is very difficult in Tekki shodan as the distance from start to finish is so small.3. On the first move try and drop suddenly, like someone has suddenly swept your legs4. When stepping accross slowly, use the leg muscles and try not to drag the leg, or push off from the floor.5. When performing the nami-gaeshi (returning wave) techniques, keep the body the same height and keep the remaining leg in the kiba dachi position. (moves 11,12, 24 and 25).

Tekki Shodan Purple and White Belt Kata

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