Heian Godan is fifth form in the series continues to promote an awareness of and successful execution of slow, drawn out movements contrasted with faster, more powerful techniques. This kata is the first to introduce a jump. Harry Cook has noted that the jumps may occur to train the practitioner to develop the springiness and leg strength needed to execute throws and in this pattern it would seem that the technique prior to the jump is indeed a throw. However, as noted with Heian Yondan, others have argued that slower movements in kata could indicate a throw or a lock. The movement before the jump in this form, if it is a throw, is not done in a slow and deliberate manner.
The Shotokan version makes use of the back stance whereas the Pinan original uses a cat stance. The Shotokan version also includes crescent kicks and has placed the final movements directly along the embusen (the pattern of lines the kata 'draws' on the ground by shifting from movement to movement and stance to stance) rather than at an angle.
For more background information on the Heian kata please refer to Heian Shodan.
