The first of the three Tekki katas. This kata was originally called by it's Okinawan name Naihanchi. Thought to be Chinese in origin this kata is known for the introduction of several unique inward kicks, known as the wave kick.

It is widely believed that the three Tekki kata were once linked together and taught as one single kata but that this kata was then ultimately broken down into three parts for ease of teaching by Gichin Funakoshi's teacher Master Itosu.

Like with many of the kata, Gichin Funakoshi changed the name of this kata from Naihanchi to Tekki Shodan when he introduced the art of karate to Japan.