| "Sanchin Kata: Traditional Training for Karate Power" | | | | posture so you can practice with correct alignment, |
| with Kris Wilder is a DVD that compliments Wilder's | | | | which is needed for generating power within all your |
| book, "The Way of Sanchin Kata." The DVD is an | | | | movements. |
| exceptional resource for anyone who practices the | | | | After Wilder discusses alignment, he goes on to assist |
| "Three Battles Sequence" or wants to more about this | | | | with breathing, punching (I really liked the manila folder |
| ancient form. Additionally, many of the concepts Wilder | | | | drill), and a review as he does a full body audit of his |
| explains and discusses can apply to other martial arts | | | | student's stance and position. During this audit, Wilder |
| and improve anyone's training. | | | | provides a great explanation of what instructors are |
| The DVD starts with an introduction that shows Wilder | | | | looking for when you see them hitting students during |
| doing the Sanchin Kata in a peaceful wooded area, | | | | testing, and Wilder explains that you don't have to |
| while you here some of his philosophy regarding | | | | pound on a student to discern if the student is |
| training on a voice over. The wisdom Wilder shares in | | | | performing it proper or not. Finally, Wilder discusses |
| the nearly eight minute introduction is applicable to all | | | | placement of the head. |
| martial artists, not just those who study Karate and the | | | | After the explanations of the body alignment and |
| Sanchin Kata. | | | | position, Wilder has a short segment on Applications. |
| Next, Wilder performs the kata in a dojo setting. He | | | | He does not provide a series of applications, but rather |
| then very quickly explains some of the history of the | | | | looks at them globally. I really liked how he explained |
| kata and how there are different histories depending | | | | the concepts are important and that you can apply the |
| on the style. But he stresses that the underlying | | | | principles of Sanchin to other forms to assist with |
| principles are the same. | | | | power generation. |
| Wilder then starts teaching principles found in the kata | | | | The DVD is professionally filmed with good sound, |
| so you can maximize your learning and training. He | | | | lighting and views. The DVD has clear chapters so you |
| starts with the feet and creating a proper foundation. | | | | can review the section you wish to practice, and there |
| By bringing out a student, Wilder is able to actually | | | | are the standard YMAA extras. The entire program is |
| explain and point out the concepts he discusses. And | | | | just under one hour, but contains a wealth of |
| explain he does! This is not just a "here's the form, do | | | | information to maximize your training. |
| as I do" type DVD. I was very impressed with the way | | | | The program ends with Wilder performing the kata in |
| Wilder explains things and the reasons behind what he | | | | a wooded area and then the credits roll. Please note, |
| is demonstrating or having his student demonstrate. | | | | this DVD's purpose is not to teach you how to |
| Wilder moves up the body and discusses the thighs, | | | | perform the Sanchin Kata. You will need another |
| hips, sacrum, spine, torso, shoulders, arms just as he | | | | resource, or preferably a live instructor, for that. What |
| discussed the feet, ankles, and base. Kata, or forms, | | | | this DVD will provide is excellent instruction on how to |
| can be an excellent way to learn motion and posture, | | | | make your performance and training with this kata |
| but only if you practice correct motion and posture. | | | | better. I strongly recommend this DVD to anyone who |
| Wilder does an excellent job of describing proper | | | | wants to take their Sanchin Kata to a higher level. |