Heian Sandan

The shortest kata in the Heian series, Heian Sandan has 20 counts, with almost half of the movements performed in kiba-dachi (horse stance).

Tai sabaki, or "body shifting," is of utmost importance in H3. The student must learn how to rotate the entire body to gain momentum, as well as how to slide the feet, yori-ashi.

Empi (elbow) techniques are also first learned in this kata. Timing skills become prominent as H3 is the first kata that contains a slow movement (#11).