First Cause
The IKKU sets itself apart from other Traditional Karate Organizations through the extensive kata and bunkai exposure we offer our members in live dojo classes, seminars, weekend camps, and now via digital video formats. You will experience this early on with our Taikyoku Katas 1-10 offering. While most traditional organizations only have access to the Taikyoku 1-3 kata developed by Gigo Funakoshi, our Soke had exposure to an expanded Taikyoku Series (4-10) that Aihara Sensei developed after training directly with Gichin Funakoshi, Shigeru Egami, and Kanki Izumikawa.
Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Karate, brought Okinawan martial arts to mainland Japan in 1922 and laid the foundation for Karate as a structured discipline. His son, Gigo Funakoshi (Yoshitaka), was responsible for much of Shotokan’s technical evolution, introducing deep stances, driving hip motion, and a more linear, powerful approach to technique. Their combined vision emphasized not only physical training but also philosophical depth, shaping Karate into a lifelong path of self-mastery.
Between 1930 and 1935, Gichin and Gigo created the Taikyoku kata series, starting with Shodan (First Level), Nidan (Second Level), and Sandan (Third Level). The term Taikyoku (太極) translates to “First Cause”, a concept rooted in East Asian cosmology referring to the origin of all things. In Karate, Taikyoku symbolizes the beginning of practice—the raw, universal foundation from which all other techniques evolve. These forms are intentionally simple, helping students absorb core movements, rhythm, and balance before tackling more complex kata.
Each of the first six Taikyoku kata follows a mirrored, H-shaped embusen (movement pattern) and uses basic techniques like down blocks (gedan-barai) and stepping punches (oi-zuki). This repetition is purposeful—it helps develop proper stances, direction changes, and mental focus. While Taikyoku Shodan is the student’s introduction to form, Nidan and Sandan deepen the practitioner’s sense of timing, precision, and directional flow. These three kata, though minimal in appearance, are profound in their function as a gateway to Karate-do.
Whether you’re a beginner starting from the “First Cause” or an instructor passing on the traditions of Gichin and Gigo Funakoshi, these kata mark the essential first step in the lifelong journey of Karate. Soke Ruiz learned this kata series as a youth while studying under Aihara and has generously shared the kata knowledge with the IKKU members during previous seminars and camps. Our organization is lucky to have this elite Taikyoku Series to offer to our members.
We hope you enjoy the exposure to this traditional karate kata series.
Taikyoku Shodan
太 極 一
First Cause 1
Taikyoku Nidan
太 極 二
First Cause 2
COMING SOON!
Taikyoku Sandan
太 極 三
First Cause 3