This kata was called Heian Shodan Variation by Funakoshi Sensei and was introduced in 1907 by Anko Itosu, Shuri-Te style. Even though Nidan means 'Second', it is trained as the first Pinan Kata in our schools because of its similarities to First Basic Kata. Because of the more advanced techniques that are introduced in Pinan Shodan, the order of the two have been switched. Its theme, as well as First Basic Kata, is on Balance, Timing, Coordination, and Reflexive Thinking. It also provides an introduction to Body Shifts (Tai Sabaki).
Note: Because of its overwhelming use in Wado techniques, if only one hand is mentioned, the other hand is performing a back hikite. Also, unless otherwise mentioned, all jun-tsukis are at the chudan (solar plexus) level.
Rei. Masuba dachi.
Yoi. Heiko dachi.
Hajime.
Left facing mawata (90°) step rolling jodan to chudan tetsui uke. Left mahanmi neeko ashi dachi.
Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Mawata clockwise, 180°, step right gedan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Pull back right jodan, chudan tetsui. Right mashomen neeko dachi.
Step left chudan jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Left mawata (90°), front facing step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Step right jodan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Step left jodan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Step step right jodan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Mawata counterclockwise (225°), step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Mawata clockwise (90°), step right gedan uke. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Step left jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Mawata counterclockwise (45°), step left gedan uke. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Step right jun-tsuki. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Step left jun-tsuki. Left zenkutsa dachi.
Step right jun-tsuki then turn the seikan into a yohan after hitting the stance. Right zenkutsa dachi.
Mawata counterclockwise (225°) jodan haito then retract into double pancake uke. Left mashomen neeko ashi dachi.
Step left low chudan yohan. Start front facing, and twist into left sheeko dachi.
Step right low chudan yohan. Start front facing, and twist into right sheeko dachi.
Mawata clockwise (180°) step right double 'pancake' uke. Right mashomen neeko ashi dachi.
Step right low chudan yohan. Start front facing, and twist into right sheeko dachi.
Step left low chudan yohan. Start front facing, and twist into left sheeko dachi.
Yame. Heiko dachi.
Norei. Masuba dachi.
Rei.