Sanchin Kata, please tell me all about it, its awsome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKLKMAr3sos&feature=related
I read about this but finally saw it here
I practice Shotokahn this isn't one of our kata
first is it apropriate to attempt to learn this from video?
I want to try this out at home and maybe later try out a seminar about kata from a school that does teach it
It looks very powerfull with many bunkai aplications
each move with the exception of the footwork was taught at my old dojo in kihon

Well it's not that difficult of a kata so you can learn it from a video although a seminar will be better.
Personally I'm not a fan of the kata. Too much of the same. I prefer seisan, which is similar to it but a bit more varieted.

...and seisan is similar to the shotokan kata hangetsu.

The sanchin kata in shito emphasizes "sanchin dachi".

sanchin dachi does exist in shotokan as well though not used as often. shito-ryu is based very much in sanchin dachi but there are shotokan katas which contain the stance.

Our dojo is currently doing a lot of work in sanchin dachi. It is a hard stance to master. The hardest is doing oi-zuki going backwards. It is hard to get into the stance moving backwards.

shito-ryu and shotokan are VERY similar. shito tends to be a more circular style probably emphasizing more of the Chinese influence.

Both shito and shotokan share identical roots. They are essentially brothers from the same parents. My instructor is a sandan in Shotokan and a shodan in shito. He shows us shito katas on rare occasion but we do not cross train in katas in order to preserve the shotokan form. It is feared that if the circular blocks are practiced in the katas, it will alter the form in the Shotokan katas.

Sanchin Kata is great for the stance as said...it is also excellent for bringing down the pulse rate after a fast paced workout...some call it The breathing Kata.

WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!!!!!!

Who says that Sanchin is not a Shotokan Kata??

Of course it is. Is one of the most important Katas. It teaches you about ki, and about breathing!!!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate_kata

There's more info.

my apologies
I found out recently I was actually practicing Shotokai
after attending after attending a different school that was Shotokahn
both are from Funakochi
the major differences I saw where in footwork
at either dojo I never saw anyone doing Sanchin and I would have noticed as it has a very distinctive appearance
so I assumed it wasn't a Shotokai/Shotokahn kata
perhaps I'll ask someone at the dojo when I can find the right time to ask

WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!!!!!!

Who says that Sanchin is not a Shotokan Kata??

Of course it is. Is one of the most important Katas. It teaches you about ki, and about breathing!!!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate_kata

There's more info.

looked at the wiki but it says shotokan doesnt do kihon

what is kihon?

WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!!!!!!

Who says that Sanchin is not a Shotokan Kata??

Of course it is. Is one of the most important Katas. It teaches you about ki, and about breathing!!!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate_kata

There's more info.

looked at the wiki but it says shotokan doesnt do kihon

They have put it down under Taikyoku.

I would say that the majority of Shotokan don't do Sanchin kata.

Neddy, kihon means basic. I found this video on Youtube. It's one of the better Goju-ryu ones I've seen. Actually, It should be Sanchin Kata dai Ichi, rather than Dai Ni, as Chojun Miyagi originally taught it with the turns, then changed it, taking out the turns, when he got to old to stand for any length of time. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwA2I1DqvhU

Carl

so you guys know any bunkai for this
it looks like the turn could be interpreted as a throw/takedown

Duaty, Sanchin is all very basic, I believe. It teaches us to coordinate mind function, body movement, and breathing. Train the mind, which in turn teaches us to breath in on defensive movements, and out on offensive movements and train the body to take strikes, and movements. These are simply blocking and punching, grabbing and pushing or chest strikes, and blocking and palmheel strikes. The turn is simply teaching us to turn, block, and punch. I don't believe there is any more than that. For us, take downs come in the more advanced forms. If someone has more to add, please do. I hope this helps.

Carl

[QUOTE]Sanchin Kata is great for the stance as said...it is also excellent for bringing down the pulse rate after a fast paced workout...some call it The breathing Kata.

I would say the Tensho is more for catching your breath instead of sanchin.Sanchin is done so forcefully while Tensho follows more easily.

I thought takedowns where basic
provided everyone knows how to fall correctly
in tetsuoku shodan
the first one taught at my dojo
every 180 degree turn can be a takedown
on the surface it appears to only be a block
but the cross up of the arms reveals you can be grabbing your opponents arm
Chinese Wrestlers do drills that look very similar

Dusty, anytime you grab someone, it can potentially be a takedown. I don't believe this is the intention in the kata Sanchin. Again, this is a very basic kata, for one who is just beginning to learn. Takedowns come later. You have to learn to crawl before you can walk, walk before you can run. I don't show a beginner any of the more advanced techniques. They are trying to learn the basics. Nothing more. They have enough on their plates. I don't need to add to the confusion by saying that a block and grab can also be a takedown, etc, etc.

Speaking as a Goju-ryu stylist. Other styles might do differently.

Carl