Kata History - Part 3

Naihanchi

Naihanchi (or Naifanchi, Naifanchi, Tekki, Tekki) is a Kata, performed in straddle stance (naihanchi-dachi / kiba-dachi ). It can be translated to 'sideways fighting', or in the kase of Tekki it means ‘Iron Horse’, because of the stance. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques (i.e. tai sabaki (body evasion)) and grappling. There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan(Master Ohtsuka dropped Nidan and Sandan from Wado Ryu, possibly because he thought the had little function)). Some researchers believe Nidan and Sandan were created by Anko Itosu, but others believe that it was originally one kata broken into three separate parts (probably due to constraints of space). The fact that only Naihanchi/Tekki Shodan has a formal opening suggests the kata was split.
It has been suggested the kata was originally developed when fighting against a wall / ledge / narrow confined space which is unlikely; however, it could be used for this purpose. Whilst the kata is linear, moving side to side, the techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle. The side to side movements in a low stance build up the necessary balance and strength for fast footwork and body shifting. The kata are intricate strategies of attacking and defensive movement, done in the kiba dachi, for the purpose of conditioning the legs to develop explosive power.

Itosu is reported to have learned the kata from Sokon Matsumura, who learned it from a Chinese man living in Tomari. Itosu is thought to have changed the original kata. The form is so important to old style karate that Kentsu Yabu (a student of Itosu) often told his students ‘Karate begins and ends with Naihanchi’ and admonished his students must practice the kata 10,000 times to make it their own. Before Itosu created the Pinan kata, Naihanchi would traditionally be taught first in Tomari-te and Shuri-te schools, which indicates its importance.

In the earlier days of karate training, it was common practice for a student to spend 2-3 years doing nothing but Naihanchi/Tekki, under the strict observation of their teacher. Motobu Choki (Pictured to the left), famous for his youthful brawling, credited the kata with containing all that one needs to know to become a proficient fighter.

Kata Names - Part 2

All

Having received some nice feedback from some in regard to my last article on kata, in particular from some of our newer members, I have decided to expand on my article Kata Names - What do they mean and write another article for them based on the kata they have / will be learning over the coming year or two. In this article I will concentrate on the Pinan series of kata. Thanks again for the good feedback, I hope you find this as interesting and useful as the last.

OSU

Pinan

The Pinan kata are a series of five kata taught in many karate styles. The Pinan kata originated in Okinawa and were the brain child of Anko Itosu (see photo), who was one of Gichin Funakoshi's teachers. It started when Itosu learnt a kata called ‘Chaing – Nan’ from a Chinese martial artist living in the Tomari area of Okinawa, and this kata is said to be the basis for the Pinan katas. Itosu simplified ‘Chaing – Nan’ into the five Pinan kata we know today. It can also be noted that the Pinan series contain many moves and sequences from the longer kata “Kushanku”.

The Pinan kata were introduced into the school systems on Okinawa in the early 1900's, and were subsequently adopted by many teachers and schools. Thus, they are present today in the curriculum of WADO RYU, Shito Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shorei-ryu, Shotokan, Matsubayashi-ryu and Shukokai.

Pinan can be translated to mean "peaceful way" which it has been universally known as for many many years, but some historians believe now it can be translated into “safe from harm”. In his book “Karate - Do Kyohan” Gichin Funakoshi said that the name “Pinan” was chosen because once these kata’s had been mastered, the karateka can be confident in their ability to defend themselves in most situations, hence, be safe from harm. This translation comes about by translating the name in Okinawan into Chinese (rather than Japanese) and then to English. When translated to Japanese first we get 'Peaceful Mind', and when translated into Chinese we get 'Safe from Harm'. Again this is just thoughts and no one now will ever know the true meaning as meant by Itosu.

The Pinans are taught to various beginner ranks according to their difficulty, but the more advanced karateka can take things to the next level and apply the moves learnt in the katas into a more advanced fighting system. The kata are all based at least loosely on an I-shaped embusen or shape.

We actually learn / practice Nidan first as this is the easier form to learn and perform. When Funakoshi changed the name from Pinan to Heian he made Pinan Nidan become Heian Shodan and vice versa.

I hope this little post has been useful, next time Kushanku and Naihanchi.