Sanchin is the basic, heavyweight kata in Uechi-ryu karate-do. It is a direct transmission of the Pangainun-ryu from the Chinese Nanpa Shorin-ken family. No Japanese martial art concept has been added to it, nor has there been any modification from a military viewpoint. In other words, it is a pure and direct transmission from China, having experienced no Japanese cultural modification. Such an attitude has been prevalent ever since the foundation of Uechi-ryu.

The unique points of such kata include: to master the basic tachikata (stances), to foster acuity of vision, to enhance physical resistance to be able to bear a strong impact, and to train mental strength in order to move to a pure mental devoid of worldly thoughts and selfishness. In principle, enbu training is required three times a day.

An unwritten rule in existence since the foundation of Uechi-ryu karate-do is that no one is allowed to demonstrate any other kata before practicing this one. All Uechi-ryu kata are prescribed based on the principles of Sanchin and any one who participating in Uechi-ryu training has to master Sanchin. That is why it is said that in Uechi-ryu 'All things begin and end with Sanchin'.

[ Demonstrator ]

Naoshi Tahuku

(Born December 25, 1971)

Uechi-ryu (4th Dan)