09/28/2026
Shotokan Heian Godan → Asai-ryu Junro Shodan:The 1.5 Rhythm and Weight Shift
The video opens with Shotokan Heian Godan, demonstrating morote-waza: Gedan Juji-uke, shifting the weight back for a half-beat to create distance, then flowing into Jodan Haishu Juji-uke, the open-palm double upper block, followed by the grab. This technique is also a clear example of the 1.5 rhythm we are discussing.
As the last of the basic Heian kata, Heian Godan introduces more advanced concepts, including maai control, rhythm changes, tenshin, and weight shifting. This video focuses on the 1.5 rhythm and weight shift.
The same 1.5 rhythm and weight shift appear in excerpts from the first kata of Asai-ryu, Junro Shodan. In the Asai-ryu system, this kata is taught from 5th kyu, practiced alongside Heian Godan to give students a broader technical foundation.
• Zenkutsu-dachi gedan-barai, weight shifts back to neko-ashi-dachi chudan uchi-uke, then forward into zenkutsu-dachi gyaku-zuki
• Zenkutsu-dachi gedan-barai to age-uke, weight shifts back to Nemo-ashi , then mae-geri / gyaku-zuki
• Kokutsu-dachi uchi-uke, weight shifts directly forward into zenkutsu-dachi nukite to the throat, finishing with oi-zuki
The video closes with the complete Asai-ryu Junro Shodan. At 0:51, watch for kokutsu-dachi Jodan-barai shifting immediately back to neko-ashi-dachi soto-uke, another clear example of weight shift control.
In traditional Shotokan, Heian Godan is the starting point for learning timing, tenshin and torite. Asai Sensei further developed these principles into a more comprehensive training system through Junro Shodan, giving practitioners a deeper way to practice them.
About the performer: Caroline, 8 years old, purple belt (5th kyu). She has trained in karate for just two years. Though shy off the mat, her performance is outstanding.
#松濤館
#浅井流
-ryu
