Nihanchi (Naifanchi. Naihanchi and all other spellings) possible origins of the form beginning to the left in Isshinryu.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Nihanchi (Naifanchi. Naihanchi and all other spellings) possible origins of the form beginning to the left in Isshinryu.

First let us look at a version of Motobu no Naihanchi which starts to the right.

本部のナイハンチ初段 - Motobu no Naihanchi Shodan (right)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI7o76YkQ1I

Apparently there are a number of groups that begin Nihanchi kata to the left. One telling example is shown on the Japanese video of Motobu Choki's son's demo'ing his fathers art.

Motobu no Naihanchi Shodan (left) - 本部のナイハンチ初段
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAp3pnWeIbc

The Nihanchi kata demo by Motobu's son begins to the right (as in his fathers 1932 book "Watashi No Karate-jutsu". But the tape also shows a group of seniors in the school doing Nihanchi as a group kata, and they begin to the left (as does Isshinryu). So practically speaking they go both ways. [Note the 'American' version does not include the group demonstration of Nihanchi.]

Motobu Group Class Naifanchi start to left
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR5RStGWKDQ

Hence Shimabuku Sensei's Nihanchi may be a 'changed' version of Kyan's or it may be from the practice of Motobu. But does it make a difference, both sides complement each other and if you do Nihanchi continiously, say 4 or 5 times non stop, which side you begin with is IMO minor.

And for Okinawan's judging Nihanchi I've only seen one black belt in the states perform Nihanchi in competition. Perhaps things are different there?

泊のナイハンチ Tomari no Naihanchi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKxcx1Q6qcw&t=7s

A separate issue that is perplexing for those in Isshinryu using the Naifanchi stance with the feet turned in is that Motobu once wrote coming from Motobu's book (I'm using Pat McCarthy's translation).

page 89

"You may probably already know that there's a kata (Nihanchi), which uses hachimonji-dachi. There are those who believe that the proper way to perform this stance is by twisting the toes inward and squeezing the feet together. hence it is often taught that way. However, I believe this to be completely wrong. This way of performing the stance has been handed down through the Itosu lineage. However, disciples of Matsumura and Sakuma just naturally open their feet up into the eight-shape posture (hachimonji-dachi) with the application of power. I once questioned Matsumura and Sakuma sensei about this point. Matsumura sensei responded by saying "I think the practicality of Itosu's method is precarious and someone using it could be easily defeated." I consider those comments and I agreed with his theory. Using the hachimonji-dachi by twisting the toes inward and squeezing them together, as prescribed by Itosu, would be unstable. A person could be shoved to the ground even if just lightly pushed from the rear with someone's fingertips. I just don't think this is the kind of stance that functions very well when power is applied to it. Kata should be taught in accordance with the practical issues it represents. I don't belive that it is wise to teach a student how to apply force to the movements if the application of its technique is impractical or misunderstood. This is why I disagree with twisting the toes inward and squeezing the feet together and felt it necessary to clarify my point."

Now this is most curious isn't it? Perhaps Motobu changes his thoughts later, as when Shimabuku Sensei may have studied with him. Perhaps he never discussed it with him?

It just points out how far you can and can't go with the study of the very limited historical record, IMO.

For myself, my instructors taught me Nihanchi Dachi with the feet turning inwards and Motobu's words aren't siginficant reason to change my practice.

Pleasantly,

Victor Smith
Bushi No Te Isshinryu