The many nuances of Sanchin

Posted on Feb 3, 2009 in Martial Arts | 0 comments

Each time I practice kata Sanchin I realize how much is contained in such a “simple” kata. (Yes, all kata can be analyzed for deeper techniques, but to me, this defines Sanchin.) It’s just a double chest block, followed by a reverse punch and another chest block to bring the arms up together again. Do that three times on alternating sides, turn around and do it four more times, turn around once more and do it four more times. Finish off with some breathing and two hook blocks. SImple, right? No, no, no. Sanchin has so many layers that onions look at Sanchin and cry from jealously. (Okay, bad analogy…)

We’re fortunate enough to have Hiroo Ito Sensei teach at our dojo often and benefit from his incredible skills. Tonight I was fortunate enough to work with Ito Sensei and a few students—including my own sensei—much more advanced than myself. We worked on a few techniques from Sanchin, any of which could fill volumes.

The kata’s opening motion, the double chest block (pictured on the cover of Kris Wilder Sensei’s excellent book, shown here) had always been something I paid little attention to. Breathing in, expanding my belly, tucking my hips under as I stepped forward, getting the placement and angle of my lead foot correct—these were things I thought about, not the hands coming up and forming the definitive V-shape. Tonight I learned just how important that is. We focused on that motion, learning to keep Sanchin posture and using the opening block to deflect an incoming punch. Not bashing it away, but reaching out softly to meet it and guiding it in toward, but past the body. The rest of the block includes stepping in toward your attacker and taking their balance by connecting your blocking arm with your upper body, hips, legs, and ultimately the ground and using it to push them aside. Words don’t do it justice; if you’ve not practiced Sanchin you can get a better sense of what I’m describing by watching some on YouTube.

This is why I love martial arts. The never-ending quest to understand that which is so simple, yet so complicated; so intricate, yet so obvious. That, and I realize how lucky I am to train with dedicated students and amazing senseis.

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