About This Kata
| Name | Tekki Shodan [鉄騎初段] |
| Translation | Iron Horse – First Level |
| Style | Shotokan |
| Level | Beginner |
| History | Originally known as Naihanchi, the Tekki series may be among the oldest formalised kata systems still practised today. Tekki Shodan is considered the original, complete form of Naihanchi. Systematised by Itosu Ankō, who divided Naihanchi into three separate kata to facilitate learning. Itosu inherited the kata from Sōkon Matsumura, who was exposed to both Okinawan fighting techniques and Chinese martial arts. Master Motobu Chōki famously believed Naihanchi alone embodied the true essence of karate. Gichin Funakoshi renamed the series Tekki, meaning ‘Iron Horse’, referencing the deep kiba-dachi (horse-riding stance) that dominates the forms. |
| Lineage | Sōkon Matsumura → Itosu Ankō (Shuri-te) → Gichin Funakoshi (Shōtōkan) |
Horse Riding – Level 1 (Shotokan Kata)
