Taikyoku Shodan- Tai means great or grand. And the syllable Kyoku has several meanings including carry to extreme or ultimate. This kata is designed to build strong basics, emphasizing on: basic low blocks/strikes, stepping middle punch, moving through the center and building strong and low front stances, proper breathing technique and application of kiai, and generating power from hip rotation. This basic kata, along with the Heian kata series, represent Karate-do in its simplest and purest form.

This is a beginner's basic training form which uses fundamental upper body movements to introduce proper effective blocks and strikes. Each technique is performed first by the left side, then the right. Basic blocks are executed and followed by strikes to imaginary opponents surrounding the practitioner. The student is introduced to hip torque while working from the basic training horse stance or Kiba-dachi position Horse stance. These techniques can be found throughout the kempo karate system.