Kata Focus - Seiunchin

Seiunchin, like many Kata, has an unclear history. The most commonly accepted theory of Seiunchin is that Chojun Miyagi created this Kata from what he learnt from Ru Ru Ko in China. The techniques themselves most likely originating within the Hsing-I Chuan style of Kung Fu.

Seiunchin is a very close-range Kata relying on maintaining a low centre of gravity using leg and core strength (which is not unique among the kata of the Naha-te styles).

 

A big part of mastering this Kata is the understanding of balance between contrasting opposites. Some example of this are 'expansion/contraction', 'tension/relaxation', 'preparation/execution' and 'external/internal power generation'.

 

The meaning of the Kata’s name, ‘to control and pull into battle’, refers directly to the bunkai of the Kata. The whole Kata involves gaining control of the opponent, then pulling then into the counter attack.
Seiunchin is designed for defence against larger attackers, turning a smaller persons disadvantage into advantage. By relying on low centre of gravity and its close range; Seiunchin negates a larger opponent’s size and reach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiunchin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C5%8Dj%C5%AB-ry%C5%AB#Kaishugata

http://www.gojukarate.co.uk/sodokan018.htm
http://www.sfisshinryu.com/2011/12/14/seiunchin-%E5%88%B6%E5%BC%95%E6%88%A6-kat/

http://www.wayofleastresistance.net/2008/09/origins-of-goju-ryu-kata-part-4.html
http://shitokai.com/cyber-academy/principles-techniques/shitoryu-katas/kata-seienchin

 

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

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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