Advanced
Sanchin No Kata
三戦
Three battles kata - the most important kata for developing internal power, breathing, and stability.
- Blue Belt with Yellow Stripe
- Intermediate
- 11 movements
- Linear
Step-by-Step Guide
16 stepsRead one movement, perform it slowly, then move on.
This kata is counted as 11 movements, while the step list below runs to 16 written lines, so the two numbers differ.
Musubi Dachi - Begin with natural breathing
Step into Sanchin Dachi with deep Ibuki inhalation
Execute slow Morote Chudan Uchi Uke (double middle block) with Ibuki exhalation
Step forward in Sanchin Dachi with Ibuki inhalation
Execute right Chudan Tsuki with maximum tension and Ibuki exhalation
Execute left Chudan Tsuki with maximum tension and Ibuki exhalation
Step forward in Sanchin Dachi with Ibuki inhalation
Execute right Chudan Tsuki with Ibuki exhalation
Execute left Chudan Tsuki with Ibuki exhalation
Turn 180° in Sanchin Dachi maintaining full-body tension
Execute Morote Chudan Uke while exhaling with Ibuki
Step forward with right Chudan Tsuki and Ibuki
Execute left Chudan Tsuki with Ibuki
Step forward with right Chudan Tsuki and Ibuki
Execute left Chudan Tsuki with Ibuki
Step back into Musubi Dachi, release tension gradually
Key Points
The points most worth checking your own performance against.
- Every muscle must be tensed during Ibuki breathing
- Sanchin Dachi is tested for stability during performance
- Breathing and movement are precisely coordinated
- This kata develops iron body conditioning
- Practice barefoot to strengthen foot arches
Purpose
To develop Ibuki breathing, internal power (kime), and the foundation of all advanced techniques.
Practice Video
A full-speed performance, for once the written form makes sense.
Learning order
Kata 11 of 14