The Kata of Isshin-ryu

Naihanchi

        Naihanchi Kata is the next to be learned by Isshin-ryu karate-kas. It is believed to have come directly from China to Okinawa by Master Sakagawa as a derivative of the Shorin-ryu style; however, its composer is unknown. Sakagawa studied under Master Ku San Ku for six years in a small Chinese community near Naha , hence the name, Naihanchi. Tode Sakagawa taught Soken Matsumra who founded Kobayushi-ryu (Young Forest Style), one of the three branches of Shorin-ryu. Matsumura taught Choki Motobu and Chotoku Kyan, and Shimabuku studied under both if these masters. The Japanese version is termed Tekki, and the meaning is sideways fighting, fighting on home ground, fighting within, and surreptitious steps. Additional translations are, “iron horse,” and “horse riding straddle stance”.

            In the early 20^th century, Naihanchi was divided into three parts due to its length and difficulties in teaching the kata. Tatsuo Shimabuku used what he considered the best techniques of each kata and combined them to form the Isshin-ryu version. Our rendition consists of 67 movements (34 to the right and 33 to the left). It is the only Isshin-ryu kata with no forward or backward steps. It takes 35 seconds to perform due its very fast speed.

            The unique aspect of this kata is that it is a mirror image of itself. That is, once you learn half of the kata the remainder is exactly the same but, in reverse. The kata was designed for fighting in an alley, on a bridge, or with one’s back to the wall. It emphasizes a concentration of strength to the inner thighs in order to develop a more powerful stance. It is very popular in other styles of karate including Kempo and Tae-Kwon-Do. It is still taught in the Shobayashi Shorin-ryu system, and in 1921 it was performed for the Sho family (direct descendants of Shotai, the last king of Okinawa ) by Shinkin Gima at the request of Gichin Funakoshi. Naihanchi teaches a student to defend against four to eight opponents, attacking from the sides and the front.

            Again, there are two Kiais, both are executed during the two morote tate strikes (double vertical punches). While performing Naihanchi the student will avoid nine foot sweeps and execute two blade kicks to the knees. It is a very complex lesson in hand techniques as it consists of elbow strikes, pressing wrist blocks, hammer fist strikes and blocks, low blocks and spear hand strikes. The Naihanchi stance which is very mobile yet stable is the only stance used throughout the entire kata. Finally, there is no ubuki breathing and this is the only Isshin-ryu kata that has both hands open in the beginning moves.

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