Kata Focus - Sanchin

Sanchin is an older Kata originally from Chinese Kung fu. Its exact origins are unclear (as are the origins of many Kata), but it can be found in Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors and Tiger-Crane styles of Chinese Kung fu. 

A large majority of Karate styles today have adopted Sanchin, including: Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Kyokushin and Uechi-Ryu. 

It is a core Kata in many martial systems (irrespective of the system being Chinese, Japanese or Okinawan) due to its simplicity but important lessons including: core strength, power generation, correct posture, stability, correct breathing, timing with breathing and technique, correct use of basic Kihon techniques.

Sanchin is an excellent Kata for beginners, intermediate and advanced Karateka. 

The Meaning of the Kata’s name, Three Battles, has a couple of interpretations. The most obvious is that most techniques are done in groups of three and most versions of the Kata are in three sections, to the front, to the back and to the front again. Another interpretation is that the ‘three battles’ refers to the battles of mind, skill and body, the idea being that all three are worked on at once during this Kata. While it is technically true to say that the mind, skill and body should all be factors in any Kata and all Budo training, the theory is that the concept of developing all three at once originated with Sanchin.

Kanryo Higashionna is thought to have introduced Sanchin to Okinawa after returning from the Fujian province of China where he learned from Ru Ru Ko among others.

Sanchin Comparison 

Two Chinese versions, Uechi-Ryu & Goju-Ryu.

Kyokushin Sanchin

Shito-Ryu Sanchin

Isshin-Ryu Sanchin

Comment below to share any thoughts or opinions you might have.  :)

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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