Ten No Kata - Kata of Heaven

Ten No Kata (Kata of Heaven)

It is still a manner of debate whether Funakoshi himself or if his third son,Gigo Funakoshi,developed Ten No Kata. Ten refers to “sky” or “universe” therefore Ten No Kata isgenerally referred to by either “Kata of Heaven” or “Kata ofthe Universe”.

It was developed to help improve a karateka’s basic technique or kihon,since it is the goal of karateka to perfect their basic technique. At least,that’s what I believe. Ten No Kata can be practiced in a small space byanyone of any level of martial arts training,making it anexcellent exercise to do everyday because it is so easy.

Ten No Kata is broken into two parts,Omote and Ura. Omote can start from Heikō dachi or from Heikō dachi with Naiwan Kakiwake Uke. You will always strike with yourright hand first,after that  you do the same on your left. All technique on your left side end with Kiai. This applies to all twenty moves.

In Ten No Kata Ura you will need a partner, because Ura isn’t really kata, it’s just one step kumite. Your opponent starts with Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai and attacks with three sets of Chudan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to middle of thebody) and also three sets of Jodan Oi Zuki (thrust punch to the head). He does this for both sides and the defender must apply the appropriate block and counter techniques from Ten No Kata.

List of Techniques
Remember,all strikes begin with the right hand. So if you want to do Gyaku Zuki,your left foot should be out. It is also important to remember to render courtesy even when practicing by yourself.

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Oi Zuki,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Oi Zuki,and Yoi.

Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and

Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Gedan Barai, Chudan

Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Uchi Uke, Chudan Gyaku

Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Kōkutsu Dachi Shuto Uke, then switch I

into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Nukite,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Kokutsu Dachi Jodan Shuto Uke, then
switch into Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi.
Repeat on your left side adding Kiai

Step back into Zenkutsu Dachi Jodan Uke Chudan Gyaku

Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on your left side adding Kiai.

Step back into Sochin Dachi Jodan Soto Uke,the switch to

Zenkutsu Dachi Chudan Gyaku Zuki,and Yoi. Repeat on
your left side.

Ryan Chapman
San Kyu