|
Nahashu Dojo KATA
CURRICULUM
HISTORY
The
following is intended to be a look at each of the kata taught in the
Nahashu Ryu curriculum from a historical perspective. First the facts
that we know about each kata will be listed. Then any theories about the
kata will be presented where facts are no longer possible. It must be
kept in mind that it is possible that a historian will find more
significant factual information about our kata at a later date. What is
included in this text are what is accepted as a norm in the karate world,
what is accepted as fact, and possible strong theories where facts can no
longer be found.
I
have done extensive research on my own and have selected the kata for
Nahashu Ryu to reflect some of the oldest kata known in Okinawan karate.
I have also chosen these kata to reflect the varied styles of Okinawan
karate and multiple Bunkai (techniques) that each of the kata hold. In
this way I believe that Nahashu Ryu can preserve these oldest known kata,
reflect respect upon all styles of Okinawan karate, and learn from the
foundations of each kata where others may have been formed.
It
was important to me to make sure that the kata chosen for Nahashu Ryu
encompassed the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Thus it was necessary
to examine each kata closely through extensive research in the history of
origin of the kata and their inclusive techniques. Breathing, physical
strength, and focus where all considered in each kata. Additionally
appearance of the kata were also a criteria for inclusion into Nahashu
Ryu. What appears simple to the eye in a kata is but scratching the
surface. The simplicity can be very hard to master.
Research
is continual for more updated information about each of the kata included
in the Nahashu Ryu curriculum. It will be posted/changed as it becomes
available. What is presented here is what I believe to be true where
stated and theoretical where stated. No disrespect is intended in any
way. Nahashu Ryu Karate Do strives to continually offer the best
explanations to any given karate subject matter.
The
following kata are from the Nahashu Ryu Karate Curriculum:
Sanchin
Naifanchi
Passai
Shuri*
Seiyunchin
Nahashu*
Shisochin
Sanseru
*These two kata were
developed to encompass the fighting techniques of Nahashu Ryu Karate Do
and are explained below.
SANCHIN
FACTS
-
Sanchin
translates literally to “three battles”. These battles could have
multiple meanings such as mind, body, spirit, or upper, middle, and
lower. It is steeped in Zen Buddhism meanings.
-
Sanchin's
sequential movements are easy to learn. However, the breathing methods
and muscle tension required to perform the kata correctly can take many
years. A favorite saying in Okinawa when karate was first being
developed was “Three year Sanchin.”
-
There
are five distinct breathing methods commonly used in Sanchin. Each is
dependent upon the style and the instructor who teaches the kata. The
five methods are long in and long out, short in and short out, long in
and short out, short in and long out, hold breath- inhale and hold then
exhale and hold.
-
Sanchin
is a form of standing meditation when done correctly.
-
This
kata helps to develop over all physical strength. It incorporates the
use of most of the bodies muscles in a continual state of tension. It
helps the blood flow throughout the body including to the brain,
stomach, liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines. This promotes more
strength in these organs by making them more active.
-
Increased
blood flow to the brain and the nervous system allows the student to
improve their concentration, power, and focus when executing each
technique.
-
Constant
tension of the body's muscles allows them to expand creating a feeling
of tremendous power.
-
Over
a period of time you will be able to focus all of your power in your
tanden.
-
Repeated
practice will help you discover the key points to all of your other
kata.
-
Sanchin
will make you feel better after practice and help you to deal with
stressful situations in a more relaxed manner.
Sanchin
is one of the kata from a Chinese Crane style of Gung Fu. It came from the
southern provinces of China in Fuchow. One of its famous practitioners was
Kanryo Higashionna of Naha-Te. Originally the kata was taught with open
hands. Some styles still use the open hand techniques such as Uechi Ryu. The
Goju Ryu style founded by Chojun Miyagi, who was the senior student of
Higashionna, uses the closed hand form. Miyagi changed the kata to the
closed hand techniques and also did away with the turns that he learned from
his master.
Sanchin
is a foundational kata that needs to be learned in stages. An example would
be to learn the stance first, movement next, then move on to the strikes,
blocks, direction of movement, breathing, and finally the tension. Beginners
should learn to coordinate proper breathing with the proper execution of
techniques. This is true for all grade levels as well. Advanced students
must explore the technical levels of focus, center/tanden, muscle tension,
power, and the art of shime (body testing).
Sanchin
is one of the oldest known kata. It dates back to the monks of the Shaolin
Monastery and in its present form it resembles the White Crane styles that
the monks invented.
THEORIES/CLAIMS
1.
Many teachers from the past have claimed that 'Sanchin is
everything'. It is said that it is the basis for the whole art of karate.
2.
In the recent past (20 years) Sanchin was thought to cause adverse
effects on the body. This has since been proved to be in error and has been
corrected in many books.
3.
It is impossible to know who is responsible for first introducing the
kata to Okinawa. It is heavily associated with Kanryo Higashionna because of
his influences on Naha -Te and from the absence of it from the Shuri-Te
system.
SUMMARY
Sanchin
kata is one of the oldest known kata on Okinawa and it is extremely
important in both the Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu systems. Because of its many
benefits it is included in the Nahashu Ryu Curriculum. There are less myths
told about this kata then most any other Okinawan kata thus making the
information about it more factual then not. It is important to note that
research is continual in the karate world about the origins of kata. Any
further facts about this supreme kata will be posted here as they become
available. Changes will be made if any facts are found to be in error.
NAIFANCHI
FACTS
-
Translates
to “fighting on unstable ground”.
-
Another
White Crane kata from Southern China.
-
Chinese
name is Dai Po Chin. Translated to Naifaunchi.
-
Naihanchi
is the Okinawan translation.
-
Came
from a Chinese White Crane Master known as Ason.
-
The
accepted lineage is from Ason to Tomoyose, Gushi, Sakiyama, and
Tomigusuku.
-
The
aggressive movements ended with Tomigusuku. From him the lineage gets
“fuzzy” with various theories.
-
Tomigusuku
is credited with having one of the first martial arts schools on
Okinawa.
-
Naifanchi
was in the original curriculum of Kanryo Higashionna but was dropped by
Chojun Miyagi when he formed Goju Ryu.
-
Tomigusuk's
school existed when Higashionna was in China.
-
In
the Naha-Te system it was known as Koshiki Naifanchi.
-
Because
Miyagi dropped it from Higashionna's curriculum the kata's lineage was
passed down through the Shuri-Te system.
-
Ason
Naifanchi had more than 100 movements originally.
-
Original
stance derived original techniques with energy and breathing patterns.
-
Naifanchi
includes grappling, striking, locking and kicking techniques built on
principles and mechanical laws behind the techniques.
-
The
techniques strike vital areas, joint, and ligaments.
-
Like
Sanchin, Naifanchi kata movements are easy to perform but are misleading
to the untrained eye. The energy and breathing patterns take years to
master.
-
One
of the oldest known kata on Okinawa.
-
The
honored Choki Motubu (1871-1944) the Okinawan karate master is said to
be considered the master of Naifanchi kata.
THEORIES/CLAIMS
-
Brought
to Okinawa by Bushi Matsumura after studying for six months in Taiwan
with a master known as Chanan (Ason?), who taught three kata to him.
They were Chanan Sho, Chanan Dai, and Ping An.
-
It
is said to have reached Itoso's school first.
-
Itoso
is credited for breaking down into Naifanchi into three separate forms
known as Naifanchi Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan in 1901.
-
In
some areas of the karate it is mistakenly believed that this kata is for
fighting in alley ways or enclosed spaces because of it's sideways
movements.
SUMMARY
It
is indeed hard to determine some of the facts about who brought Naifanchi
back to
Okinawa and from where. The Shuri-Te lineage of karate has always included
Naifanchi in its curriculum. Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Master Shoshin Nagamine
offers the theory described above from the Bushi Matusmura side. Sensei
Xavier Martinez offers the lineage under the “facts” stated above. Both
have possibilities since Sense Martinez lineage ends where it becomes
sketchy.
In
researching Naifanchi it is important to note that all styles of karate on
Okinawa practiced it at one time. It is only since the advent of the modern
schools that it was dropped from some of the curriculum such as Goju Ryu and
Uechi Ryu. It is indeed an old kata with another hidden history that is
still being researched. I have presented all the information that I have on
this kata and will change it as more facts and/or theories become available.
No disrespect to any style is intended. It is included in the Nahashu Ryu
Kata Curriculum because of its history as an important kata in Okinawa which
was included in the Naha, Shuri, and Tomari-Te systems before the dawn of
the modern “style” era.
PASSAI
FACTS
-
Translated
to mean “thrust asunder” or “to penetrate a fortress”.
-
Original
composer is unknown.
-
There
are at least 3 versions of the kata.
-
Popular
in and around the village of Tomari.
-
Speedy
movements along with knife hand techniques distinguish this kata.
-
Constant
switching of blocking arms.
-
Constant
switching from disadvantage to advantage positions.
-
Big
part of the Shuri-Te side of Okinawan Karate
THEORIES/CLAIMS
-
Legend
says that Bushi Matsumura brought Passai back from China to Okinawa.
SUMMARY
This
superb kata's history is still lost to the modern era of karate. The lineage
is also lost. What little is known is more of technical facts that are
listed above. A proper lineage is also hard to subscribe to but it is known
that it was practiced in and around the village of
Tomari as a “staple” kata. Because of the 3 different practiced versions
(possibly more) of this kata , we can safely put it in the category along
with such long favored kata as Seisan, and Sanchin (these kata having
several versions also). This shows its wide acceptance amongst the many Te
practitioners on Okinawa and can offer evidence to its age and supreme
fighting techniques. It is included in the Nahashu Ryu curriculum for these
reasons. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
SHURI
FACTS
-
Roughly
translates to “principle ruling head”.
-
Created
by Soke Nielsen
-
Celebrates
the kata from Shuri-Te
-
Techniques
focus on Speed and Power.
-
Powerful
strikes, blocks, and kicks.
-
Forms
the basis for the Nahashu Ryu fighting system.
THEORIES/CLAIMS
-
None
SUMMARY
Shuri
kata was formed after the development of the techniques from the Shuri-Te
system of karate from Okinawa. It is the culmination of the fighting
techniques of Nahashu Ryu Karate Do. It was introduced in June 2003 along
with kata Nahashu forming the two most important kata to the Nahashu Ryu
fighting system. It was developed by Soke Nielsen, the founder of
Nahashu Ryu Karate Do.
Once
again, its formation was specifically constructed so the fighting techniques
would be remembered and properly transmitted. Shuri also contains many
bunkai. Three sets of Oyo must be performed by each practitioner of the
kata. Many Henka must also be explored by the student. Kakushi remain
private.
Along
with kata Nahashu, Shuri is constructed from the formula of the past and
is based on the traditional and time tested techniques of the Masters from
the past. It is intended to drive Karate further into the future based on
the foundations of the past.
The
above kata form the curriculum up to the Shodan level in Nahashu Ryu Karate
Do. The two kata Nahashu and Shuri must be utilized throughout the
practitioners karate career as they form the basis of the Nahashu fighting
system. Therefore they are also considered senior kata of the system and are
required for any advanced black belt levels. The next kata are in addition
to the kata previously discussed. Not all of them will be taught to each
student but rather one kata may be chosen for a student at Soke Nielsen
discretion. These histories of these additional kata are discussed below.
SEIYUNCHIN
FACTS
-
Several
pronunciations (seichin, seiunchin, seiechin, etc.).
-
Translates
mostly as “to uproot and pull off balance”.
-
A
popular Naha-Te kata.
-
Several
different versions.
-
A
kata with heavy White Crane influences.
-
A
hawk based kata.
-
Kata
consisting of many throws, grabs, and joint locking techniques (Tuite)
-
Performed
in the low Shiko stance.
-
Extremely
difficult to perform.
-
Usually
in curriculum for the Brown Belt level.
THEORIES/CLAIMS
-
It
is thought to be one of the kata that Higashionna brought back from
China.
-
Some
think that it is only a training kata.
-
Widely
used in competitive “sport” karate because of its unique look and
appeal.
-
Some
also think that it is only suited to tall practitioners.
SUMMARY
Seiyunchin
is indeed another kata predominately practiced on the Naha Te side of
Okinawan karate. Versions of this kata exists within Goju Ryu, and Isshin
Ryu. We can assume that it is indeed old to the Okinawan karate styles do to
the knowledge of
Higashionna teaching it and the different versions that exist
in the Naha district alone. This
kata has a unique feature of no kicks. Additionally its low stance teaches
the student good balance and strength. Seiyunchin is also said to be the
Master Grappling kata. An interesting clue to its age is the techniques from
the Hawk fighting style from the Southern White Crane Gung Fu included within
the kata. This is yet another important kata for the Nahashu Ryu system
because of its age and strong and varied techniques. Once again new
information about this kata and its origins will be added as they become
available.
NAHASHU
FACTS
-
Translates
to “The Dominating Fist”.
-
Created
by Dave Nielsen Shihan
-
Celebrates
the kata from Naha-Te
-
Powerful
striking and joint locking techniques.
-
Balances
hard and soft.
-
Forms
the basis for the Nahashu Ryu fighting system.
THEORIES/CLAIMS
-
None
SUMMARY
Kata
Nahashu was fully developed in June of 2003. It is the culmination of the
fighting system of Nahashu Ryu Karate Do. In it are techniques found in this
fighting system. Other techniques from Nahashu Ryu can be found in the next
kata discussed in this section.
This
kata was put together in the same manner as the kata from the ancient times
were. It is a culmination of the fighting techniques developed by Soke
Nielsen, and carefully crafted and put together in a manner in which
they can be remembered and transmitted. The Bunkai (techniques) are many.
Three sets of Oyo Bunkai are required for the students of Nahashu Ryu. The
Henka must be developed by each student. Kakushi remain private.
No
disrespect to the founding fathers of Karate is intended by the formation of
the two
kata that define Nahashu Ryu Karate Do. Rather, they were developed based on
the research done by the author into the kata from the past. They indeed
emulate and progress the martial art known as Karate-Do. Karate must
developed as the masters of the past have indicated in many of their
documents. Although kata Nahashu is “new”, its techniques are
traditional and time tested.
To Be Continued...
|
