Who is credited with creating the Pinan/Heian kata?

The Pinan, also known as Heian in some karate styles, kata were developed by Itosu, a pivotal figure in the history of karate. Itosu created these forms in the late 19th century with the intention of making karate more accessible to students and simplifying the training process, especially for beginners. His work in codifying and formalizing these kata played a significant role in the introduction of karate into the Japanese educational system.

The significance of the Pinan/Heian kata lies not only in their role as foundational forms for practitioners but also in their emphasis on basic stances, movements, and techniques that are essential for building strong fundamentals in karate. By teaching these kata, Itosu aimed to instill discipline, focus, and the principles of self-defense in students. His contributions are recognized as integral to the spread of karate beyond Okinawa and into mainland Japan, influencing many subsequent karate styles and practitioners.