A discussion on Isshinryu Kata

 

 

Isshin-ryū Karate Sanchin kata (Old Video) Arcenio Advincula

Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei learned Sanchin kata from Miyagi Chojun (1888~1953).

Unlike Goju-ryu karate which teaches this as the first kata, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei taught this as the last Isshin-ryū Karate.

In an interview with Maekawa (Major Mike in 1996, Major Mike was asked, "What kata did you learn" by Joan Calvert.

"First was Seisan. Kaisukata (1st open kata). Sanchin was last. Chan Mi Gwa taught (Kyan Chotoku's nickname) taught Tatsuo Seisan. Goju-ryu Sanchin. If Sanchin was the first kata, your muscles would be tight and you couldn't do the other kata properly. You do kata in a certain order. Tatsuo said that when lifting weights to bring them up only chest high."

At this interview, 9-18-1996 were George and Joan Calvert, Sal Musco, Susan Riddle and myself.

Maekawa: “Kikō (気功 Chi Kung breathing exercise), Inyō (陰陽 Ying and Yang). In the morning you get good energy. Around 8:00 AM, face the sun and and the sun will give you energy and power. This cultivates the mind and gives good energy.”

While most American never learned Kikō (気功 breathing, it was taught as we can see by the interview with Major Mike. The first part of Seisan and Seiunchin kata and throughout Sanchin kata that breathing is emphasized to bring out chinkuchi. As we can see, Sanchin kata is prolong chinkuchi. Notice the burst or short distance power at the end. While there are several different ways to breath and develop power, Isshin-ryū Karate power is based in chinkuchi.

Kikō 気功 breathing exercise; breath control; spirit cultivation; chi kung; qigong

Ki 気 also 氣 spirit; mind; air; atmosphere; mood; air, gas, steam, vapor; Breath, steam; Vital energy manifested as breath; pneuma; comparable to the Indian prana.

ki (chi) 氣 Invisible life-force, somewhat equivalent to the Indian prāṇa; the material force of the universe. [Charles Muller]

kō 功 Work, effort, function; Accomplishment, result, effect; Effectiveness, efficacy; Skill, ability

In other words, we are "working our ki, breath". And that is what I am doing.

"You do kata in a certain order." ~ Major Maekawa

What is the traditional order that Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei taught karate kata:

Seisan
Seiunchin
Naihanchi
Wansu
Chinto
Kusanku
Sunsu
Sanchin