Tzounis Antonis. Sanchin Kata Quick Guide (Uechi-Ryu)

Volos, 2016. — 41 p.Our first experience with Sanchin might be deceiving, making us believe that it is something relatively simple. It is a fact that a beginner Karateka does not need more than one or two months to mimically execute the moves of Sanchin Kata. However, this is only the surface. The outer, visual part, we observe when a Karateka performs Sanchin Kata, is no more than 10% of the total ongoing experience. 90% of Sanchin is internally executed among senior practitioners. Reaching the level of correct execution of Sanchin Kata is a real challenge. The elements that cannot be shown are the most important ones. It is an attempt to raise the energy from the ground upwards. The example of our body is expressed in each thrust, starting with the toes and the position of our feet on the ground. This is a common principle for all Okinawan Karate styles. In Uechi‐Ryu, the basis of the techniques, and the following Kata is Sanchin. Sanchin Kata is the foundation on which Karate skills are built, and we always return to Sanchin since the perfection of Sanchin never ends. For the correct execution of Sanchin, and any other Kata after that, we need correct stance, step, focus, breath, physical condition, strength, explosive movements and, penetrating gaze origination at the base of our soul. Every Kata is a battle with the most “realistic” imaginary opponent, ourselves, the training is limitless.