Created by Gichin Funakoshi, Kihon (literally meaning 'basic kata' ) is the simplest of all Shotokan style kata. It contains only one type of block (GEDAN BARAI), one type of punch (OUI ZUKI CHUDAN), and one main stance (ZENKUTSU DACHI). Therefore, it is no surprise that the kata was created for the primary purpose of teaching elementary school students. Kihon was originally called Taikyoku Shodan. The word Taikyoku is often translated as "first cause." Shodan means "first step."