Pinan Nidan Meaning in Karate

Pinan Nidan is the second form in the peaceful mind series and focuses on higher level defense. This pattern introduces the use of the back stance and the knife hand block for practitioners. It teaches students how to use both hands at the same time to block and strike together. The movements are slightly faster and more complex than those found in the very first form. Practitioners must focus on shifting their weight smoothly between the front and the back legs during steps. An athlete deflects a high punch with a rising block during a basic sparring exercise. Maintaining a straight spine ensures the body stays balanced while performing the various hand techniques. This form builds the coordination needed to handle attacks coming from the side or behind.