The Taikyoku Kata is in the traditional "H or I" Pattern, Usually thought of to defend against four opponents, attacking from each major direction, Front / Rear / Left Side / Right Side.

Learn to Look, Stack, and Move prior to each technique. In this way you will be aware of the type of attack that is coming.

Taikyoku means "first Cause" as this is the first time Shotokan Students are called upon to practice a set of techniques to counter an imaginary opponent's attack. There are Four Taikyoku Katas that are designed to stop different types of attacks and counters with an attack for the Shotokan student.
Taikyoku Shodan - Low Attack and Centered Counter
Taikyoku Nidan - High Attack and High Counter
Taikyoku Sandan - Middle Attack and Centered Counter
Taikyoku Yondan - Middle Attack and Centered Counter to side and High Counter to Middle.

Kata's are very important to the Shotokan Student as they are one third of the belt testing requirements from the 9th kyu rank on to the highest Black Belt. The Shotokan Student is always trying to perfect their Katas and learn the "Deeper Meanings"; behind them. Master Gichin Funikoshi always pushed for his students to master their Katas. Mastery of Katas may be obtained, but perfection of Katas will never be realized, but we keep trying.

Kata's originated out of necessity, it was outlawed for the Okinawan people to practice any type of self defense or weaponry in Okanawa. This was after the Japanese had invaded their country. So the practitioners of the Martial Arts would pass Katas off as Folk Dances in order to practice their art. This was also the case for them to learn and develop weaponry. That is why most of the Martial Arts Weapons seen today originated as farming or fishing tools.

Learn the Kata, Learn the Bonkai (what the attackers are doing), and Learn the Lesson embedded in each kata.... Then you will have Mastered the kata. Now Practice the kata over and over.... Trying to do it perfectly.... You never will, but keep trying....

>MUSIBI (Attention Stance)
>OREI - (Bow)
>STATE NAME OF KATA - "TAIKYOKU SHODAN"
>YOI (Ready Stance) ---KIAI (Yell…Show of Spirit)---

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for low block with the left arm
>Step out to left side, into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a low block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Lunge punch with the right fist to the opponents "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the right shoulder, to the rear
>Stack for a low block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a low block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder, (down the middle)
>Stack for a low block with the left arm
>Step out into a front stance, with the left foot forward (down the middle)
>Execute a low block with the left arm

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER, ONE ----FLOWING INTO THE NEXT----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX -----KIAI"

----SLOW DOW TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over the left shoulder (to right side)
>Stack for a low block with the left arm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a low block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over right shoulder (to left side)
>Stack for a low block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a low block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the middle)
>Stack for a low block with the left arm
>Step out into a front stance, left foot forward (down the middle)
>Execute a low block with the left arm

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER AND----FLOW TOGETHER----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX, KIAI"

----BACK TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder (to the left side)
>Stack for a low block with the left arm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a low block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the right shoulder (to the right side)
>Stack for a low block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward (to right side)
>Execute a low block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX----KIAI"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the middle)
>With the left foot step back into "KIBA-DACHI" (horse stance) facing the front
>With the left foot, slide into "MUSUBI" (attention stance)
>OREI (Bow)
>State name of Kata - "TAIKYOKU SHODAN"

ITEMS TO WATCH FOR:

1. All punches are to the "SOLAR PLEXS"
2. All front stances - Deep knee bend on front leg, back leg should be locked, Feet should be a shoulder and a half, depth and width.
3. Crescent walking down the middle should be flowing and a faster tempo than the rest of the kata. No noticeable bouncing or bobbing should be detected while crescent walking.
4. All long 180 and 270 degree turns should be smooth and balanced.
5. All blocks are low blocks; blocking hand should be one fist distance from the knee, body twist on all blocks.
6. Kata should be about 40 seconds in length.
7. The "Kiai" should be loud and forceful, showing good "spirit"
8. The meaning of "TAIKYOKU" - FIRST CAUSE
9. Kata pattern : "H"/"I"

>MUSIBI - (Attention Stance)
>OREI - (Bow)
>State name of Kata - "TAIKYOKU NIDAN";
>YOI - (Ready Stance) ---KIAI - (Yell - Show of Spirit)---

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for HIGH RISING block with the left arm
>Step out to left side, into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a High Rising block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Lunge punch with the right fist to the opponents "FACE"

>Look over the right shoulder, to the rear
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a High Rising block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE"

>Look over the left shoulder, (down the middle)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the left arm
>Step out into a front stance, with the left foot forward (down the middle)
>Execute a High Rising block with the left arm

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER, ONE ---FLOWING INTO THE NEXT----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE -----KIAI"

----SLOW DOW TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over the left shoulder (to right side)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the left arm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a High Rising block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Look over right shoulder (to left side)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a High Rising block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the middle)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the left arm
>Step out into a front stance, left foot forward (down the middle)
>Execute a High Rising block with the left arm

---NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER AND----FLOW TOGETHER----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE, KIAI"

----BACK TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder (to the left side)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING with the left arm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a High Rising block with the left arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"

>Look over the right shoulder (to the right side)
>Stack for a HIGH RISING block with the right arm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a front stance, right foot forward (to right side)
>Execute a High Rising block with the right arm
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE----KIAI"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the middle)
>With the left foot step back into "KIBA-DACHI" (horse stance) facing the front
>With the left foot, slide into "MUSUBI" (attention stance)
>OREI (Bow)
>State name of Kata - "TAIKYOKU NIDAN"

ITEMS TO WATCH FOR:

1. All punches are to the "FACE"
2. All front stances - Deep knee bend on front leg, back leg should be locked, Feet should be a shoulder and a half, depth and width.
3. Crescent walking down the middle should be flowing and a faster tempo than the rest of the kata. No noticeable bouncing or bobbing should be detected while crescent walking.
4. All long 180 and 270 degree turns should be smooth and balanced.
5. All blocks are high rising blocks; shooting of the arm should be noticeable with the blocking arm returning to be about one fist distance from the forehead when completed, body twist on all blocks.
6. Kata should be about 40 seconds in length.
7. The "Kiai" should be loud and forceful, showing good "spirit"
8. The meaning of "TAIKYOKU" - FIRST CAUSE
9. Kata pattern : "H"/"I"

>MUSIBI
>OREI - (Bow)
>State the name of Kata - "TAIKYOKU SANDAN"
>YOI (Ready stance) ---KIAI (Yell / Show of Spirit)---

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Twist to left side into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over right shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the right hand
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, with the right foot forward
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the right hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the Middle)
>Stack foe a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Step to the middle into a BACK STANCE with the left foot forward
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER, ONE----FLOWING INTO THE NEXT----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX" ---KIAI

----SLOW DOW TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward (facing right side)
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Look over right shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the right hand
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a BACK STANCE , with the right foot forward
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the right hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the Middle)
>Stack foe a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Step to the middle into a BACK STANCE with the left foot forward
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER AND----FLOW TOGETHER----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX" ---KIAI

----BACK TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward (facing right side)
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward (facing right side)
>Execute a KNIFE HAND BLOCK with the left hand
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX" ---KIAI---

>Look over left shoulder (down the middle)
>With the left foot step back into KIBA-DACHI (facing front)
>MUSUBI
>OREI
>YOI - State the name of the Kata - "TAIKYOKU SANDAN"

ITEMS TO WATCH FOR:

1. All punches are to the SOLAR PLEX'S
2. All blocks are KNIFE HAND BLOCKS, with the torso squared to the front on the stack and body twisted when executing the block
3. All stances while blocking are BACK STANCES with the heels in line and at 90 degrees. Feet are one to one and a half shoulder lengths apart, front foot slightly bent (supporting 70% of the weight), back leg deeply bent (supporting 70% of the weight)
4. Blocking hand should be in SHUTO (karate chop) with the top of the fingers level with the shoulders and the elbow one fist distance from the ribs. The back hand should be level to the ground slightly in front of the SOLAR PLEX, Palm up
5. All stances while punching are FRONT STANCES, deep bend on front leg and rear leg locked and straight, feet should be a shoulder and a half in depth and width
6. CRESCENT WALKING down the middle should be flowing and at a faster tempo than the rest of the kata. No bobbing of the head and upper torso should be noticed
7. All long 180 and 270 degree turns should be smooth and balanced
8. The kata should be about 40 seconds in length
9. The meaning of "TAIKYOKU" is FIRST CAUSE
10. The KATA pattern is an "H"/"I"

>MUSIBI
>OREI - (Bow)
>State the name of Kata - "TAIKYOKU YONDAN"
>YOI (Ready stance) ---KIAI (Yell / Show of Spirit)---

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Twist to left side into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over right shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the right forearm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a BACK STANCE , with the right foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the right forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the Middle)
>Stack foe a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Step to the middle into a BACK STANCE with the left foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER, ONE---FLOWING INTO THE NEXT----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE" ---KIAI

----SLOW DOW TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward (facing right side)
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over right shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARMBLOCK with the right forearm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a BACK STANCE , with the right foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the right forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over the left shoulder (down the Middle)
>Stack foe a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Step to the middle into a BACK STANCE with the left foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm

----NEXT MOVEMENTS DONE FASTER AND----FLOW TOGETHER----

>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "FACE"
>Crescent walk forward into a front stance with the right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the "FACE" ---KIAI

----BACK TO ORIGINAL SPEED----

>Look over left shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Execute a long 270 degree turn into a BACK STANCE, left foot forward (facing left side)
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the left forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, right foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the right fist to the ";SOLAR PLEX"

>Look over right shoulder
>Stack for a MIDDLE FOREARMBLOCK with the right forearm
>Execute a long 180 degree turn into a BACK STANCE , with the right foot forward
>Execute a MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCK with the right forearm
>Crescent step forward into a front stance, left foot forward
>Execute a lunge punch with the left fist to the "SOLAR PLEX" ---KIAI---

>Look over left shoulder (down the middle)
>With the left foot step back into KIBA-DACHI (facing front)
>MUSUBI
>OREI
>YOI - State the name of the Kata - "TAIKYOKU YONDAN"

ITEMS TO WATCH FOR:

1. All punches to the sides are to the SOLAR PLEX'S, All punches down the middle are to the FACE
2. All blocks are MIDDLE FOREARM BLOCKS, with the torso squared to the front on the stack and body twisted when executing the block
3. All stances while blocking are BACK STANCES with the heels in line and at 90 degrees. Feet are one to one and a half shoulder lengths apart, front foot slightly bent (supporting 70% of the weight), back leg deeply bent (supporting 70% of the weight)
4. Blocking arm should have the fist level with the shoulders and the elbow one fist distance from the ribs. The back hand should be stacked at the waist in a fist, palm up
5. All stances while punching are FRONT STANCES, deep bend on front leg and rear leg locked and straight, feet should be a shoulder and a half in depth and width
6. CRESCENT WALKING down the middle should be flowing and at a faster tempo than the rest of the kata. No bobbing of the head and upper torso should be noticed
7. All long 180 and 270 degree turns should be smooth and balanced
8. The kata should be about 40 seconds in length
9. The meaning of "TAIKYOKU" is FIRST CAUSE
10. The KATA pattern is an "H"/"I"