Kata Focus - Naihanchi

Naihanchi was most likely created by Bushi Matsumura.
It is a unique Kata, with a linear embusen involving only stepping side to site.

Many have interpreted this as fighting against a wall or in a narrow space, with attackers coming from the sides.
In reality, the Bunkai can be applied against opponents attacking from almost any direction and there is no need to be standing with you back against something.
So the "against a wall" or "in a narrow space" is simply a misconception.

Where many Kata involve completing techniques or combinations in groups of three, this Kata only involves one technique and/or section at a time. The whole Kata is completed twice, the second time being a mirror of the first.

There are three versions of the Naihanchi Kata in total, but it is thought that Bushi Matsumura only created one. We don’t know whether Bushi Matsumura made all three as one long Kata and Anko Itosu (Matsumura’s student) just split it into three; or if Matsumura made Naihanchi Shodan and Itosu, or someone else, made Nidan and Sandan (based on Shodan).

The meaning of the Kata’s name (Iron horse) actually comes from an old Okinawan name for the Kata ‘Nifanchin’ which directly translates as ‘Iron horse’. ‘Naihanchi’ directly translates as “internal divided conflict”. 

Choki Motobu's Naihanchi

Gichin Funakoshi renamed these Kata Tekki (Japanese for ‘Iron horse’). 

One theory is that the name probably comes from the stance used, Kiba Dachi (horse stance). 

Another theory is simply a description of powerful strong nature of the Kata itself. Both theories are equally possible and both could be true. 

Choki Motobu has said that Naihanchi comes from an older Chinese Kata that is no longer practiced there, but there is not much evidence to support this. While Naihanchi isn’t an overly complex Kata, Motobu has said that it is “all that one needs to know to become a proficient fighter.” Motobu was famous for testing his karate abilities by engaging in brawls on the streets.

Shorin-Ryu

Another Shorin-Ryu

Isshin-Ryu (Angi Uezu)

Choshin Chibana
(Naihanchi Shodan)

Choshin Chibana
(Naihanchi Nidan)

Choshin Chibana
(Naihanchi Sandan)

Shotokan (Funakoshi)

Koryu Uchinadi
Interesting variation "Naihanchi 360" 

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

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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Information Sources (to the best of my memory):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naihanchi

http://www.usadojo.com/articles/iain-abernethy/Naihanchi-Karate's-Most-Deadly-Kata.htm

http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=221

http://www.ikigaiway.com/2010/exploring-the-value-of-naihanchi-kata-and-putting-it-into-action/