Chojun Miyagi Sensei invented Heishu Kata Tensho in his later years, based on his studies of a Chinese exercise called Rokkishu. The original form is explained in great detail in the Bubishi. For Miyagi and his older students, Tensho was a way to practice the concepts similar to Sanchin kata, but in a more relaxed state, with less emphasis on body hardening, but equal emphasis on deep breathing. This will be the last kata to be practice during a dojo training session.

Two versions of this Kata exists: the Kihon Kata and the Heishu Kata. Dai Sensei has referred to the Heishu Kata Tensho as Sanpo aruite Kata Tensho. The differences in the Kata lie in the opening and closing procedures.

Like Kaishu Kata (open hand form), Heishu Kata Tensho demands the Karateka to learn the execution of open hand technique with that of the power of a closed hand. Another idea of Heishu Kata is the closing of the practice kata.... or the cooling down kata.