Sanchin Kata - The Power of Karate

Sanchin is a Kata in Karate and Kata is a JapaneseWhen moving slide the foot smoothly and in a circular
word for a set of Patterned movements, whichmotion forward or backward as if your feet was
basically consists of a series of kicks, punches andsearching for something. Your toes and knees should
throws. In essence it's a form which a personbe turned in slightly and your knees bent over your
practice's slowly and powerfully.toes. There are three basic types of breathing in
In the form you are trying to imitate the characteristicsSanchin Kata, all of which being abdominal.
of a tree. In making yourself like a tree you are rootingWhen training is Sanchin you are breathing very deeply
yourself to the spot. Keep your back straight whenthus increasing the oxygen supply to the body as well
doing Sanchin. Your legs should be the roots of theas to the brain. With this the brain and nervous system
tree and your arms the branches of the tree. In somebecome particularly sharp and more aware. This
styles of Karate everything comes from the Kataheightened awareness allows the student to improve
Sanchin. Sanchin form has within it a fighting system, allhis concentration, power and focus when executing
the elements of a fight are in it. This form basicallyeach technique. This deep breathing stimulates the
consists of moving forward three steps and backwarddiaphragm which causes it to work more efficiently.
three steps, doing a series of punches, blocks,It also helps to stimulate the stomach, Liver, Pancreas,
counters etc.kidneys and intestines to become more active,
When moving backward, your stride naturallytherefore becoming stronger. In Sanchin the constant
becomes shorter than when you are moving forward.state of tension is maintained in all the joints of the
When you move forward three steps and then movebody for a prolonged period and develops physical
back three steps, it is important to return to yourstrength, stamina and breath control.
original position. When moving back concentrate onIn this form you are learning to explode the
your heels, soles of your feet, knees, and backmovements powerfully from various positions. You
muscles. This practice is good for lower backhave two eyes but they see only one picture, you
problems. The feet must grip the floor rooting yourselfhave two eyes but they only hear one sound. That is
firmly to the ground Concentrate all your energy inthe way to look at your hands and feet when
your center which is around the area of your bellyperforming your movements.
button.