Sanchin Kata - An article by Ingo de Jong, Hanshi-Shihan
I.K.G.A. Vice-President (Europe)
Sanchin Kata has many meanings, but performed two ways Kanryo Higanno and Chojun Miyagi. Having trained in Okinawan Goju Ryu and Japanese Goju Kai, without a doubt they both are performed with great Power – Focus – Spirit, to bring a greater understanding of these two ways, without getting to involved and without giving my own opinion, I have serialised five interviews with Senior Goju Ryu and Goju Kai Karate Instructors within England and Europe for their knowledge and thoughts on Sanchin Kata. With the Help of Sensei Mark Adams 4th Dan Goju Kai assistant chief Instructor for IGKA England, I asked him if we could do an in depth interview with his Instructor Shihan Ingo de Jong 7th Dan Chief Instructor for Europe IGKA.
1. Good Morning / Evening Shihan, can you tell us what grade you are in Goju Kai and what position do you hold within your association - your experience and length of time you have been training in Goju Kai?I have studied the art of Gojukai Karate-Do for approx 38 years
My position is that of Director for Goju Kai karate in Europe, as well as the Vice President of the I.K.G.A. (International Karate Do Goju Kai Assc.).
I help to organize annual training seminars in various European countries, as well as conducting instructor seminars in Scandinavia, this gives me a good opporturnity to meet the various Shibucho’s from all over Europe, and at the same time help to unify the technical standard.
3. As there are two ways of doing Sanchin Kata, do you do Kanryo Higanno or Chojun Miyagi Sanchin Kata, can you show us the way you do Sanchin Kata in your style.
I am sorry to say that I have no knowledge of the two ways of sanchin kata performed by either K.Higaonna or C.Miyagi.
Having had the good fortune to have numerous indepth talks with the late Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi on the ways of sanchin Kata and the importance of correct breathing, as well as having practised the kata for approx. 35 years under the tutelige of Seiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi I have made some observations. But I hasten to add, in all seriousness, that I am still improving my understanding of the kata as the years go by. All great things require time for growth.
Here is an attempt to put into words some of my experience so far.
Sanchin Kata has many variants and can be approached from different angles. There is a visible manifestation of breathing (go) as well as an invisible (ju) function of breathing. In the earlier days of practising sanchin the more audable form of breathing was practised. Hand in hand with muscle tension. However as I gained more understanding I prefered to keep the upper part of the body more relaxed and the bottom half of the body more sturdy, feet firmly planted to the floor in a sanchin dachi position. Then concentrating the breath into the lower part of the body (approx.2- 3 inches below the navel) , one becomes more “rooted”so to speak. The analogy of a tree comes to my mind here., the roots firmly planted into the ground and the branches flexible moving with the wind. By having the upper part of the body slightly more relaxed I found I was able to move more efficiently. By concentrating on a spot about three inches inside, or rather at the back of the navel, inside the body and consciously think of power, I found after repeated practise that one could gather energy. This energy from below the navel than can be directed to various parts of the body by the mind, say for example to the fist, or the palm of the hand, like in Tensho etc. . In order to do this one has to practise power of concentration considerably.
The principle of directing the energy by the mind I would call the “invisible function”of breathing. The sound effects of the breathing became during later years of practising Sanchin or Tensho irrelevant. One can practise Kata Sanchin or Tensho silently or audible, either way, the important aspect is not the sound, but to control the breath and direct the energy flow. I find that the dynamic tension should not be overdone, lesser tension in the upper body will ease the energy flow.
4. It has been said to me over the years that Sanchin Kata is the most important Kata within our style of Karate – can you please explain this and why?Correct breathing is one of the most important aspects in the practise of Karate –Do. Proper breathing is a science in itself. It is essential to our spiritual as well as to our physical health. Proper diaphragmatic breathing is basic to all martial arts as well as to all forms of meditation. . Inner power or energy is both mental and physical. The techniques–the mind- and the breath must work as a coherent whole. One must understand that these three principles are not separate from one another. Therefore, Kata Sanchin I am told means “three way battle” or conflict. The importance of Sanchin Kata lies in correct breathing and a correct stance, of course these two aspects are important to all Kata training. So therfore one could consider Kata Sanchin a foundation to all Kata’s within our system. However to state that Sanchin Kata is THE most important Kata in our art is perhaps an over-statement..In order to become proficient in the art one should consider all aspects of training of equal importance.
5. What benefits does Sanchin Kata have for our Students? The technique the mind (concentration) and the breath must function as a coherent whole. Regards too: - 1) Training 2) Health 3) Spirit 4) Mind set
The value of sanchin training as I understand it.
Regards to training:
By training Sanchin Kata with proper breathing one learns about internal and external power. External power means power in action and movement, the internal power is the mental counterpart of each physical action.. Diligent sanchin practice teaches the student that mind and body work together and each must be aware of the other. By directing attention within and not wholly without,a doorway opens in what may have hitherto appeared to be a blind wall, those who after continues practice for a long time learn to pass through the doorway enter a new phase in their training. Prolonged and steady practice is the secret to success. .The value of sanchin training will be far better understood if students gain their own experience through daily training and thus test the value of the teachings for themselves.
Regards to health:
When we inhale we take in fresh air, and by exhaling we breathe out the “used” air. This will bring about a cleansing action . Both inhaling and exhaling are done deeply by concentrating the breath in the lower abdomen, this form of deep breathing in coordination with tension in the lower part of the body (and to some degree in the upper part) will help to improve the blood circulation and provide the body with fresh oxygen.This will help to build up ones health in general and hopefully result in resistence to disease.
Spirit-Mind:
Concentration means holding of the mind to a single idea at will.
The practitioner has to practice concentration, his attention should be focused upon the breath, holding the mind attentive to each breath. Such deliberate paying of attention to the job at hand extends the period of technical training in concentration and stimulates awareness of the energy flow within. Persistent efforts in practise of concentration is the first step towards control of thought. Control of thought will lead to self-mastery .
In the earlier days of practise it was customary to test the students Sanchin Kata by slapping and hitting the body, even by punching etc..As one progresses and deepens the understanding of of the kata, one should test the power of the stances, the tightning of the buttocks in sanchin dachi, as well as making the student aware of lower abdominal breathing, as opposed to “high” chest breathing .For the more advanced students we stress the mental aspects of the Kata. The purpose, if any, of slapping and hitting, as done in the ealier days, was perhaps to test the students concentration power. Nowadays we put more emphasize on correct breathing when teaching the kata, and as stated previously, for the more advanced practitioners the mental aspects.
7. As we develop within our system of Goju Ryu, it is noticed that we always keep our hips square and in line and we should never release the tension within Sanchin Kata? Perhaps you mean the tension in the lower abdomen here? when moving forward / turning and moving backwards, does this change at a higher lever say 3rd 4th 5th Dan?
As stated previously I think it is important to “grap” the floor with ones feet so as to tighten the buttocks in Sanchin dachi, as well as rotating the pelvis in a forward - upward motion when breathing out.
Another aspect of proper sanchin dachi is, it enables the practitioner to generate power in a punch from a short distance.The power is generated from the feet and by twisting the hip into the punch enables the practitiner to unite strength of the whole body and focus it into the punch. It almost becomes a “whip” like action.
8. When I practise Sanchin Kata in my early years of Goju Ryu Karate – Do, we ended Sanchin Kata with three breaths and in Japanese Goju Kai, this is only done with a single breath in a natural movement; would this be a development of Sanchin Kata or something done to improve our health can you explain this to us?
In Goju Kai we always ended sanchin with a single breath, I am not able to make comments on the reason as to why sanchin is ended with three breaths in other styles.
9. During Sanchin Kata, how much ‘Breath’ should there be in the Hara (stomach) when you have executed a Punch or Block within the Kata?
If one releases all breath from the lower abdomen either in sanchin or when performing any technique one looses tension , this will result in weakness: Another factor is that the practisioner will feel a strong urge to inhale and gasp for air before performing the next movement and the result will be discoordination between breath and movement .As stated previously in the article , breath- mind- technique, should function as a coherent whole. Therefore, in order to maintain proper tension in the “hara” and to keep control of the breath throughout the performance of sanchin as well as any other kata it is necessary to keep approx. 30 percent of air left in the “hara”when exhaling .Another important factor is to keep the stomach tense when inhaling as well.
10. Once Sanchin Kata has been performed should the student be exhausted or relaxed in the effort of doing Sanchin Kata?
The beginner student may feel exhausted, because the student may tense the muscles too much.
As I stated before I do not believe in tensing the muscles of the upper body too much. This decreases the energy flow. My opinion is, that if Kata Sanchin is practised as an isometric exercise it will loose some of its value. There are far more better isometric exercises to be done. Kata Sanchin should be looked upon as a means to develop inner power.
Most students are not accustomed to keep the mind focust in attention for a longer period. But the effort is similar to that of leaning any new technique, one becomes skilled in the desired action after some time spent in sustained effort. As the technique is mastered the action becomes more and more effortless and then almost automatic. As a matter of fact the more one comes to grips with the kata the more rejuvenated one feels after practice
11. So there should be a balance between each technique, would you say that doing Sanchin Kata with lots power and heavy breathing is this dangerous and could this lead the student to hyperventilate within Sanchin Kata; can you explain this to us?
If the student starts to hyperventilate this means that the breath is too high up in the chest, the breath has to be brought down into the lower abdomen. Also one should keep the throat relaxed and not try to force the air out. Deep abdominal breathing if done correctly is not dangerous and can promote health to a reasonable extend. Its beneficial effects depend chiefly upon increased intake of oxygen, and the use of mental concentration in conjunction with the breath.
12. As time has progress over the years what have you learnt about Sanchin Kata, say 5 to 10 years ago?
Better understanding of co-ordination between breath and movement, as well as the importance of directing the energy flow by the mind.
13. How does Sanchin Kata compliment the other Goju Ryu Kata?
Proper breathing is the essence of all martial arts as stated previously. Hard and soft does not only apply to the execution of techniques, but applies even more so to the state of mind whilst performing a technique. By changing the breath one changes ones state of mind and thus the energy flow between hard and soft becomes affected.. As stated the “outer” Kata is a reflection of the” inner” Kata. I remember the late Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi telling me that he gets to know a lot about a students character by watching him perform a kata..
Another important factor of correct breathing is, that it affects the rythm of the kata: If done with correct breathing one will have a natural flow between the change-over of hard and soft and this makes for a harmonious kata. Nowadays at the kata competitions one sees unnatural long pauses between techniques. This then leads to posing.
14. What research have you done on the effects of Sanchin Kata, have you had the findings recorded on paper of the effects of this results from a Neurology or Physiology means of testing?
In 1976 I decided to make some tests regards the benefits of Sanchin Kata at a medical institute in Stockholm. Rather then guessing the benefits of sanchin breathing I wanted to find out what medical science would be able to tell me about Sanchin Kata.
Royal Karolinska Medical Institute in Stockholm 1976.
Tests done by Dr. Melker.
This is what Dr.Melker had to say after the test.
1: one should not practice the Kata for longer than thirty minutes, because of the intake of oxygen.
2: Because of the pulsrate going up so fast, it would not be advisable for unfit persons to perform the kata . If performed by older or unfit person the kata should be done slowly with soft breathing..
3:One should also be aware that the blood streams faster through the bloodvessels supplying the heart with blood.
4: The mental aspects I discussed with Dr.Melker as well, however he said he was not able to make comments.
15. When training and teaching in your Dojo do you still do Junbi Undo (physical activities) Chi –chi Training - Makawi training – Pad work?
In the Hombu Dojo of Scandinavia our training is based on traditional Goju Kai Karate -Do practice.
This includes the many aspects of training, such as pads, bagwork, chi- chi as well as training for competition in kata and kumite, for the youmger members. Some of the instructers have also been involved with cross-training, such as wrestling.
Hand in hand with this goes of course the ceremonial bowing aspects, dojo discipline and proper etiquette which we value dearly.
16. Are there any other methods of training that you under take in your training and teaching of Goju Kai Karate that could help us improves our Sanchin Kata?
It is difficult to achieve proper harmony between hard and soft.. Sometimes the student will use too much power when performing a Kata Therefore we practise a lot of relaxation. By this I mean we perform the various Katas in slow motion, done with proper soft sanchin breathing in coordination with the movements will help the student to relax more and not waste energy.The result will be more harmony between hard and soft.
17. Seeing that your Instructor is in Japan, how often do you get to visit your Sensei for training and
Discussion on the meaning and aspects of Goju Kai Karate – Do.
Saiko Shihan Yamaguchi and I meet on a regular basis, once or twice a year. Each time we meet I will take the opporturnity to train with him and discuss and exchange ideas. Saiko Shihan will always offer some suggestions which will lead to the improvement of my Karate.
18. As you are a Chief Instructor of the IGKA of Europe and a Dojo instructor what advice can you give to other dojo instructors on “Training and Guidance” in Goju Kai, as we always have to inspire our Students and ourselves in the Dojo? “It’s a lonely place at the TOP”
The first and foremost motto is: Good times, bad times, do not stop training.
My professional life is that of a Karate teacher ...But in any class I teach I feel I learn a lot from my students. We are not just students of those above us and teachers of those below us. We are both students and teachers of all those wanting to learn the way of Karate-Do.
The best way to learn anything is to try to teach it to another, because in making the effort to clarify the techniques you want to teach, you come to understand it better yourself. We are all each others students and teachers, so we are constantly giving and receiving advice and instruction, whether or not we realize that we are doing so. Our students are those closest to us, in whose company we are learning the lessons of life!.
Karate training should of course be practised as a fighting art, however it is easy for a stronger man to beat a weaker person, and there will come a time when even the strongest fighter will be defeated by someone who is better .
But if the art is used for self improvement as well as character building and to built ones inner strength it becomes a lifelong pursuit that is worth while.
The two elements, karate training and application in life-must compliment each other.
Where do you see you’re Group within the next Five to Ten Years?
During the years Gojukai Karate Do Europe has developed into a huge international “family”, and many students have become lifelong friends. I sincerly hope that this will continue far into the future.
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This article was copied as presented by Ingo de Jong, Hanshi. Minor editing was entered into, solely for the purpose of layout and minor gramatical corrections.
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