Taikyoku Shodan太極初段

Taikyoku Shodan (太極初段, "First Cause – First Level") is an introductory kata created by Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan, as a simple training form for beginners. It is built on the embusen (floor pattern) of an I-shape and uses only basic down-blocks and lunge punches in front stance.

It is not part of the traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu syllabus; within the Jindokai it derives from the association's Shotokan stream rather than the Kyan-lineage core. It is included here as a foundational teaching aid.