Shotokan Kata 2 (Heian Nidan) with Instructions & Videos

This page provides video and written instructions for the Shotokan Karate kata – Heian Nidan. Heian Nidan is also known as Shotokan Kata 2. Heian Nidan is the second Shotokan kata and comes after Heian Shodan. It is a Shotokan kata for color belt (non-black belt) Karate students.

The information on this page is designed to help students pass their belt tests. There are video instructions for this kata so you can watch the kata performed by experts. There are also written step-by-step instructions for Heian Nidan located at the bottom of this page. For information on other Shotokan katas (i.e. Heian Shodan), please visit the main Shotokan Karate Katas section.

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Step-By-Step Instructional Video for Shotokan Karate Kata – Heian Nidan

Demonstration Video for Shotokan Kata – Heian Nidan

Demonstration Video – Heian Nidan shown from Different Angles (Front, Side & Back)

Written Instructions for Shotokan Kata 2 – Heian Nidan

These instructions are copyright protected and may not be copied or reproduced.

Heian Nidan has 26 movements. This kata requires accurate Shotokan stances (dachi).

  • Ready stance
  • Turn left 90 degrees into left back stance, double forearm block
  • Right upper cut, left side punch
  • Turn right 180 degrees into right back stance, double forearm block
  • Left upper cut, right side punch
  • Turn right 90 degrees into crane stance, right back fist, right side kick
  • Turn left 180 degrees into left back stance, left middle knife hand guarding block
  • Step forward into right back stance, right middle knife hand guarding block
  • Step forward into left back stance, left middle knife hand guarding block
  • Step forward into right front stance, right spear hand, yell Kiai
  • Turn left 270 degrees into left back stance, left middle knife hand guarding block
  • Turn right 45 degrees into right back stance, right middle knife hand guarding block
  • Turn 135 degrees into right back stance, right middle knife hand guarding block
  • Turn left 45 degrees into left back stance, left middle knife hand guarding block
  • Turn left 90 degrees into left front stance, right outside block
  • Turn right 45 degrees, right front kick, left middle punch
  • Left outside block, left front kick, right middle punch
  • Step forward into right front stance, double assisted forearm block
  • Turn left 270 degrees into left front stance, left low (downward) block
  • Turn right 45 degrees, step forward into right front stance, right rising block
  • Turn right 135 degrees into right front stance, right low (downward) block
  • Turn left 45 degrees into left front stance, left rising block, yell Kiai
  • Bring left foot back, return to ready stance

Related Pages

Other Shotokan Kata Resources

if you need more help with your kata, we would suggest looking at our section on the best Shotokan books. These Shotokan books provide detailed kata instruction and tips.

Reference Sources

  1. Written kata instructions are courtesy of Black Belt Wiki and may not be copied or reproduced.