Sanchin Kata

The name of this Kata translates to San – three, Chin – to root, or root of. Sanchin is known as the three battles Kata, mind-body-spirit! This Kata teaches breathing and proper use and control of muscle tension/relaxation and focus. Sanchin is an excellent tool for developing and conditioning both the physical and mental aspects of the practitioner. By performing this Kata you first develop Yushin, conscious mind, because of the intense focus placed on controlling muscle tension throughout the body, Ibuki (strong, hard) breathing, and harmonizing breathing with body tension and movement. With effective, and consistent practice one eventually should advance to the state of performing Sanchin Kata in Mushin, or unconscious mind (or no mind).  This Kata is said to have very ancient roots going back to the origins and development of Chan Fa (Chinese Hand). Kanryo Higaonna (Higashionna) brought Sanchin Kata to Okinawa from China.  The Kata was later modified by Chojun Miyagi, thus creating two variations. Miyagi’s version replaced the open hands of the Chinese version with the closed fist, emphasizing the “go”, or hard aspect of Goju-Ryu.  Sanchin is a very important and fundamental Kata of the Goju system.
(Taken from Goju.com kata descriptions)
Legend
RF = Right Foot North (N) = Face front from starting position
LF = Left Foot East (E) = Face right from starting position
RH = Right Hand South (S) = Face back from starting position
LH = Left Hand West (W) = Face left from starting position
  1. To begin, slowly slide the right foot forward in an arc into right Sanchin Dachi, while inhaling and executing Morote Chudan Yoko Uke, exhaling as the block is completed. Pull the left fist into the chambered position, inhaling, Then slowly execute a Chudan Tsuke while exhaling. Then, inhale and circle LH back to Yoko Uke posture, exhaling as it is completed.
  2. Next, slide the left foot into left Sanchin dachi and perform the same sequence using the opposite hand. Then, slide the right foot into right Sanchin Dachi and chamber the left hand while inhaling.  Slide the left fist across the chest, palm up, over to directly under the right elbow while exhaling, then cross the right leg over the left into Kosa Dachi and execute a counterclockwise 180 degree turn finishing with a strong LH yoku uke, ending up in left Sanchin Dachi with the right hand chambering while exhaling.  Then slowly execute a RH Chudan Tsuke while exhaling.
  3. Repeat the turning sequence:
  4. Slide the left fist across the chest, palm up, over to directly under the right elbow while exhaling, then cross the right leg over the left into Kosa Dachi and execute a counterclockwise 180 degree turn finishing with a strong LH yoku uke, ending up in left Sanchin Dachi with the right hand chambering while exhaling.  Then slowly execute a RH Chudan Tsuke while exhaling.
  5. Step into rt side Sanchin Dachi and slowly execute a LH Chudan Tsuke while exhaling.  Return RH to Yoko Uke posture, exhaling.   Without stepping, execute RH Chudan Tsuke and return, exhaling.  Execute LH Chudan Tsuke and and leave LH out.
  6. Open both hands palms up, inhale and bring them to the chest.   Then exhale, turn both hands palms-down executing a (spear hand) Nukite.
  7. Next, close hands and slowly bring into chamber, inhaling.  Execute Nukite slowly, exhaling.  Do this sequence 3 times.
  8. Next, circle back w RF into left Sanchin Dachi and execute Mawashi Uke w RH high, LH low.  Push both hands out parallel to floor, exhaling.  Repeat sequence to the other side.
  9. Yame.