I am lucky enough to study with two Sensei from contrasting styles, which occasionally allows the comparisons I am making here. The two kata in question here are Pinan Shodan and Heian Nidan, by root the same kata but by practice somewhat different. Pinan Shodan is a kata originally created by Itosu Ankoh, for introducing ito the Okinawan school system. Heian Nidan is the version developed by Funokoshi Gichin, to help introduce Karate in the Japanese mainland.
There are many contrasts between the two, but I wish to concentrate on the transitions, as these seem to me the most fundamental difference, I have discussed this with both Sensei, and this is what seems to be their consensus.
Heian Nidan is conducted in Kokutsu dachi. The weight is mostly on the back foot, but the front foot is also firmly planted. By the interpretation have, this is where facing an attack, you rock back, but need a solid framework to counter the threat. Any attacking from this stance is done more naturally from the upper torso, or requires a transition to bring the lower torso into play.
Pinan Shodan is conducted in Nekko ashi dachi. Although again the weight is on the back foot, the practitioner should be "sitting down" in posture. The front foot is then free to use in attacks without transitioning, however the framework is less stable until an attack is made. Nekko ashi dachi lends itself to sweeps, knee strikes, foot traps, throws or sprawls. If the next movement is forward, after the likes of a knee strike or sweep, the stance leads to the opportunity to press down on the opponent and take them to ground.
Pinan Shodan
All in all, although Itosu Ankoh is said to have taken much of the offensive capability out of Okinawan karate, it seem to me that is was more done by Funokoshi Gichin, in his interpretation of the kata for the Japanese audience of the time. I have included my work in progress versions of each kata for the sake of completeness.
Heian Nidan
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