Sanchin Kata

The Sanchin kata was brought to Okinawa in the late 1800's by Naha-te master, Kanryo Higaonna. The name Sanchin indicates that through the practice of the kata there is a produced unity of mind, body and spirit.

Sanchin is our Kihon or Basic Kata. All of our other Kata are related to Sanchin. Our core strength for all other Kata is derived from Sanchin practice.

Sanchin kata uses dynamic tension or isometric muscular contraction with deep breathing for power training. The aim of dynamic tension in the Sanchin kata is to produce an overall body hardening effect to develop a resistance to body strikes.

Dai Sensei believes that to maximize your Sanchin training, you should practice the kata at least three times daily. The first time is done to get warmed up with inaudible breathing. The second time you practice, you must breathe normally and execute proper dynamic tension. The last time you practice, you must execute the IBUKI breathing (deep abdominal breathing) plus correct dynamic tension.

Dai Sensei YAGI Meitoku explains often the importance of Sanchin - if you practice Sanchin everyday and maintain a proper diet... you should become very healthy and less prone to get ill!

Sanchin renshu gives the Karateka strong intention and helps harness the cultivation of KI (KI WO NE RU) .... your internal power!

In the dojo the is no specific count like in the practice of Kaishu Kata. Like Tensho, Sanchin is all done, with no count, in one fluid motion. The lower belts of the dojo must follow along side their seniors. They should never go ahead of the seniors count.

It also should be noted that Master Miyagi introduced the closed fist technique to the Sanchin and also I believe, the turn.... the original version brought to Okinawa by Master Higaonna emphasized open hand techniques and was done facing the same direction.

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