Sanchin the Personal Journey

Back about 1978 Charles Murray taught me Sanchin kata.

Over the years for many reasons it became a most personal journey.

I remember when a martial artist which I held in high esteem, told me that Sanchin had no applications with its study. Instead it was just for health.

Result – I began to see Sanchin as a toolbox to break down any attack. And I began to use the Sanchin techniques in that way.

Then several students with a Uechi background, shared the Ueichi Sanchin practice as they had studied it with me. A very different approach to the same concept, normal breathing and faster speed for the kata.

Result for the next 28 or so years I kept them separate practices for me.

However, I found I liked the cleaner energy release of the Uechi Sanchin.

So the day finally came, I started doing my personal variation on Sanchin.

One day in 2014, alas into my disabilities, Charles was visiting to train with us. I did Sanchin, as I was personally doing it, alongside with his Sanchin kata. The one he originally taught me.

I do not teach my practice, it is mine alone. I did have Charles share his Sanchin with my students. For it is the standard they follow.

However, to this day I do what I do. My own variation on Sanchin.

Among the changes is the manner in which I perform the Mawashi Uke in the form. First, the opening movements are used to peal away an attacking arm, then the strikes as I do them are using the thumb knuckle as a striking object into the neck and the groin.