That's because the pinan katas are nothing but a dismemberment of an advanced Okinawan kata called kusanku (kanku in Shotokan). Anko Itosu did that to better fit educational purposes.

@@FiasaPower that is correct. Some of the advanced movements were missed out to make it more child friendly and fit in to school syllabus. Interesting is that purposefully the Heian Katas end with a block.

Peter Bromaghin the right hand punch all the way through the Kata is only for orientation. The multiple applications to the first downward block of Heian Shodan shows the many ways any one technique can be analyzed and used. So then you apply that to every technique. although there are many applications to each move or series, it's still best to have a primary self defense application that is practical and works well for you.

Last year I tried to tour England, Wales, Ireland, & France, but ran into some paperwork issues. I am up for more attempts at world travel. Invite me & we can see what we can put together. Gimberline@hotmail.com

Actually my entire system is based on your flinch reflex, gross body movement, and the most likely most common attacks, which is exactly what you need to be practical and useful in a real life or death situation. I have spent many years researching techniques that are appropriate for the military, law enforcement, or civilian self defense (all different). The material as presented here is the first level. It would be necessary to increase the intensity, chaos and unpredictability to help insure proper responses under stress.