Kata are the base of any traditional martial arts system. Sometimes referred to as “forms”, these are prearranged sequences of movements …building blocks arranged to program the body, mind and spirit for fundamental fighting reactions. In the Shohie-Uechi System there are three main kata. In order, they are SANCHIN, SEISAN, and SANSEIRYU. Sanchin is the first kata a practitioner learns.
“Sanchin is everything.”
Sanchin is the fundemental base all other learning grows from. A karateka never stops learning Sanchin. Even decades into his/her later years of karate life, when rank and personal achievements have run high, Sanchin remains the most important element of a students training. Perfection of form is the grounding factor that humbles a true karateka. It is the litmus test for body mechanics, knowledge and spirit at any age or level.
Other intermediary kata are introduced along the learning path so as to expose the student to the depths of the system. As students discovers their Way in karate, the kata’s expand to include more advanced technique and encourage greater skill in movement, balance and timing. The intermediary kata build on Sanchin and satisfy a natural thirst for new knowledge and more perspective, while maintaining the parameters of a well developed base.
Techniques found in all these Kata are demonstrated and applied student-on-student, in order to teach the benefits of each and test reactions in real time. This is called Kumitai. Kumitai is in short, fighting. More specifically, kumitai may mean pre-arranged applications of the kata movements with an attacking partner. It can also mean actual full contact sparring for the purposes of competition or enhanced training. Kata and Kumitai gives one a means to develop a fighting base. This is essential to the execution of technique in any of the fighting arts, traditional or otherwise. Without base… technique will lack substance.
“Without Sanchin, there is nothing.”
The Shohei Ryu Kata…
Sanchin (Three Steps/Three Conflicts)
Kanshiwa
Kansyu
Seichin
Seisan
Seiryu
Kanchin
Sanseiryu
Ryuko
