The Kata of Isshin-ryu

Sanchin

        Sanchin Kata means three battles or conflicts (some believe mind, body, and spirit). There are many Sanchin Kata, but all are basically the same. Many people believe that Sanchin is older then Seisan and Chinto. Bodhidharma or Daruma is usually credited with originating the principle of modern Sanchin Kata. However, Kanryo Higashionna and Chojun Miyagi are usually credited with developing Sanchin katas as we know them today. Higashionna was an Okinawan accountant from the city of Naha. He traveled to China and met with a Shaolin Chuan Fa Master named Woo Liu Chin from Fukien Province whom he studied with for some 20 years.

Higashionna returned to Okinawa and established a dojo in Naha, a section of Tonno. He drilled his students on the Taoist breathing methods he learned while in China. The method became known as Sanchin Kata and was practiced with all opened hands. Higashionna became known for his “unchokeable neck.” He would allow his students to put a rope around his neck and try to choke him.

Chojun Miyagi altered the form by practicing it with closed fists rather than open hands. He wanted to emphasize the hard aspect of his newly formed Goju-ryu style. As Shimabuku learned the kata from Miyagi, the Isshin-ryu version is derived from Goju-ryu with very few modifications, if any at all. It is a respiratory and isotonic kata which incorporates muscular contraction in the absence of resistance. The kata is used to develop intrinsic energy or inner strength as well as abdominal breathing to defeat opponents. It teaches muscular control, breathe control, and mind control. Sanchin exhibits the power and strength of the Isshin—ryu style. As in Seiuchin kata there are no kicking techniques.

Sanchin is the first and foremost kata of Uechi-ryu which develops proper stance, posture, blocking and punching ability, as well as composure, in addition to the inner strength mentioned previously.

Grand Master Kanryo Higashionna was the highest authority of Naha-te. He taught Chojun Miyagi as well as Tatsuo Shimabuku. When performing Sanchin kata he would let four men attempt to push him out of his stance. Naturally, they were unable to succeed. It is said that upon completing his Sanchin form, the wooden floor would be hot from the mere gripping of his toes.

Sanchin is basic to Goju-ryu. The Sanchin-dachi position is used for punching, striking, and blocking. The body is erect, and the front foot is pointed slightly inward and a slight inner bend to the knees.

The Isshin-ryu version seems short as there are only 29 movements. There are only three steps forward and two steps back. However, when performed properly, this kata takes well over a minute and one half to complete. It is our only kata that does not contain any kiais. Additionally, it contains the only empty-handed Isshin-ryu kata that does not contain any of the vertical punched which became our trademark.

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