Sanchin 三戰

Sanchin means "three battles". It does not refer to actual physical battles, but the internal battle of harnessing body, mind, and spirit through will. It is a classically "hard" Kata, involving continuous muscular tension throughout the body, as well as hard "ibuki" breathing. It is characterized by loud, focused and intense breathing, as well as the sanchin pigeon-toed stance which is characteristic of Goju-Ryu.

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Slowly slide the RIGHT foot forward into RIGHT Sanchin dachi (INHALE) bring up both arms into Chudan Uke (Middle Block) (EXHALE AND TENSE STOMACH).

Chamber the LEFT fist (INHALE), slowly push out LEFT reverse punch (EXHALE), Take a short INHALE and bring back LEFT arm into Chudan Uke.

Slowly, slide LEFT foot forward into LEFT Sanchin dachi. Then Chamber the RIGHT fist (INHALE), slowly push out RIGHT reverse punch (EXHALE), Take a short INHALE and bring back RIGHT arm into Chudan Uke.

Slowly, slide RIGHT foot forward into RIGHT Sanchin dachi.

Then Chamber the LEFT fist (INHALE), slowly push out LEFT reverse punch (EXHALE), Chamber LEFT fist again (INHALE), shift LEFT fist to bottom of RIGHT elbow (EXHALE). Step with RIGHT foot over the LEFT into Kosa dachi and turn 180º to LEFT, into LEFT Sanchin dachi with LEFT hand in Chudan Uke and RIGHT chambered (INHALE), next RIGHT reverse punch (EXHALE). Take a short INHALE then bring RIGHT arm back into Chudan Uke (EXHALE).

Slowly slide RIGHT foot forward into RIGHT Sanchin dachi (and tense stomach).

Then Chamber the LEFT fist (INHALE), slowly push out LEFT reverse punch (EXHALE), Chamber LEFT fist again (INHALE), shift LEFT fist to bottom of RIGHT elbow (EXHALE). Step with RIGHT foot over the LEFT into Kosa dachi and turn 180º to LEFT, into LEFT Sanchin dachi with LEFT hand in Chudan Uke and RIGHT chambered (INHALE), next RIGHT reverse punch (EXHALE). Take a short INHALE then bring RIGHT arm back into Chudan Uke (EXHALE).

Slowly Slide RIGHT foot forward into RIGHT Sanchin dachi, (and tense stomach).

Chamber LEFT fist (INHALE), slowly push out LEFT reverse punch (EXHALE). Take a short INHALE and bring LEFT arm to Chudan Uke (EXHALE).

Chamber RIGHT fist (INHALE), slowly push out RIGHT reverse punch (EXHALE). Take a short INHALE and bring RIGHT arm to Chudan Uke (EXHALE).

Chamber LEFT fist (INHALE), slowly push out LEFT reverse punch (EXHALE), as the same time the RIGHT hand comes back to back with the LEFT and grabs, chamber both hands (INHALE), then open spear hand strike, chudan (EXHALE). RIGHT hand comes back to back with the LEFT and grabs, chamber both hands (INHALE), then open spear hand strike, chudan (EXHALE). RIGHT hand comes back to back with the LEFT and grabs, chamber both hands (INHALE), then open spear hand strike, chudan (EXHALE).

Slowly slide RIGHT foot backwards into LEFT Sanchin dachi, whilst performing Mawashi Uke (Circular Block).

Slowly slide LEFT foot backwards into RIGHT Sanchin dachi, whilst performing Mawashi Uke (Circular Block).

Slowly step back into Musubi dachi bring hands, palm up (RIGHT on top of LEFT) (INHALE) and then turn hands to face groin, down (EXHALE).