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Gyokko Ryu Sanshin no Kata

Three Hearts Form (Sanshin no Kata)

The Sanshin no Kata are not about learning a stiff rigid form meant to be done step-by-step in combat. Rather, the Sanshin no Kata is about learning movement. Each form of the Sanshin no Kata has its own unique rhythm, timing, distancing, and principles. The forms start with Chi no Kata, the most basic movement, and simply build from there. While the forms may never be used step-by-step in a fight, the movements transcend techniques and even styles of martial arts. Therefore, their importance cannot be understated. There are many ways the Sanshin no Kata can be performed. The Sanshin no Kata are normally done by stepping forward and covering a lot of space. However, they can also be performed by staying relatively in the same area. This is done by stepping the right foot forward next to the left foot and sliding the left foot back; or, it can be done by stepping the left foot back next to the right foot and sliding the right foot forward while striking. The Sanshin can be performed defensively or offensively by walking up to the opponent and striking. Of course, the forms listed below are the outer (Omote) forms; the inner (Ura) forms are the same except that the left hand/ foot is performing the technique. When striking in the Sanshin no Kata, the defender's feet and core (Hara) point forward and he strikes with a feeling of driving straight through the target. There is often a reaching feel to the Sanshin no Kata which allows one to learn correct distancing for fighting with weapons. As such, the defender often strikes with his body weight forward on the lead leg and then shifts his weight back onto the rear leg. The Sanshin are also known as the Gogyo no Kata.

To practice these forms, one should be familiar with the following:

Earth Form (Chi no Kata)

The defender begins in Flat Stance (Hira no Kamae). The defender steps back with his right foot into Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). While doing this, the defender's right hand does not stop but swings back slightly. Also, his hips and feet are directed forward with his body weight slightly more on his left leg. This position with his lower body will allow the defender to swing his arm freely when he goes to strike. The defender steps forward with his right foot, keeping his hips square with the opponent. Then, the defender swivels his hips slightly to the left in order to swing his right arm up like a pendulum. The defender keeps the arm nearly straight throughout and his center (Hara) will still be somewhat directed at the opponent even after he moves his hip. The defender uses this motion to strike with three fingers into the opponent. The exact area that is struck does not matter as much as the the strike itself. Targets for the strike can include the opponent's ribs, groin, diaphragm, throat, or the underside of the chin. When striking, the defender extends his arm with almost a reaching feel and holds his hand in a three finger strike (Sanshitan Ken) with the hand palm up. The fingers are curled slightly so that the tips of all three fingers hit simultaneously. The defender can also do a three-finger strike in which the thumb is on the middle finger and the pinkie is curled down in the palm. When the defender swings his right arm forward, he pulls his left arm back so that when the right hand hits, the left fist reaches the left hip. The motion of the left hand will help the hips turn properly and add power to the strike. The defender's left arm should be linear with the body so that the elbow is not tucked back and against the body. The defender's left fist should also be in position where it can strike if needed. To finish the form, the defender shifts back onto his left leg, opens his right hand, and assumes Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The key part of this movement is to use the lower body to swing the arm.

Water Form (Sui no Kata)

The defender begins in Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The opponent steps forward with a right high-level thrust (Migi Jodan Tsuki). The defender steps diagonally back to the right and receives the attack (Jodan Uke). Afterwards, the defender raises his right arm with his fist palm down directly in front of his forehead and continues to guard himself with the other arm. The defender steps forward with right foot while circling his right hand around as though he were brushing hair off of his forehead with the back of his hand. At the same time, the defender pulls his left fist back to his left hip and does an outer sword-hand strike (Omote Shuto Ken) to the inner left side of the opponent's neck (Amado). This strike has more of a forward motion then a circular motion as seen in Ichimonji no Kata from the Kosshi Sanpo Gata. When striking, the defender's feet and center line (Hara) should be pointed somewhat forward so that the momentum and power is directed straight into the target. To finish, the defender shifts his weight back onto his left leg and assumes Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae).

Fire Form (Hi no Kata)

The defender begins in Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The opponent steps forward with a right high-level thrust (Migi Jodan Tsuki). The defender steps diagonally back to the right and receives the attack (Jodan Uke). The defender raises his right arm with his fist palm down directly in front of his forehead. The defender steps forward with the right foot while striking forward into the opponent's right-side neck (Amado) with an inner sword-hand strike (Ura Shuto Ken). The defender pulls his left fist back to the left hip at the same time as the step and strike. When striking, the defender should not rely on a quick, snappy motion to generate power. Power created in this way is comparatively weak and ineffective. Furthermore, quickly retracting the hand creates a dangerous amount of space the opponent can manipulate. Therefore, motion of the body creates power, not the motion of the arm. The defender should drive the strike in and push back. The strike maintains a forward motion and not a circular motion or a horizontal chop. As such, the defender's feet should be pointed forward so his momentum and power drives straight into the target. To finish, the defender shifts his weight back onto his left leg and assumes Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae).

Wind Form (Fu no Kata)

The defender begins in Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The opponent does a right low-level thrust (Gedan Tsuki) to the defender's midsection. The defender steps diagonally back with his right foot and receives at a lower level (Gedan Uke). The Gedan Uke here can be done with a hooking feel by bending the fist to the left. Afterwards, the defender steps forward while the left hand continues to guard the space. The defender pulls his left fist back to the left hip and strikes into the opponent's solar plexus (Suigetsu) or sternum (Kinketsu) with his fore-knuckles (Shikan Ken). To finish, the defender shifts his weight back onto his left leg and assumes Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The defender can also strike with a clenched fist (Fudo Ken with thumb on top) or a thumb strike (Boshi Ken). A swinging, Chi no Kata motion can also be used to deliver the strike.

Void Form (Ku no Kata)

The defender begins in Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae). The opponent does a right low-level thrust (Gedan Tsuki) to the defender's midsection. The defender steps back with his right foot and receives at a lower level (Gedan Uke) with a bit of a hooking motion. As the defender's hips shift to the left from the Gedan Uke, he uses the motion to throw his right hand upward and slightly toward the opponent's face with the fingers pointing at the ground. At the end of this motion, the defender snaps his hand up with the open palm facing the opponent. This movement is deceptive and creates the space (Kukan) for the defender's attack. The opponent's natural response will be to lean his head back and avoid the strike, even though the strike is not meant to hit him. Even if the feint doesn't cause the opponent's head to lean back slightly, it will still effect the opponent enough to create the kukan. Immediately after and somewhat during the feint, the defender raises his right leg and kicks (Zenpo Sokuyaku Geri) into the opponent's solar plexus (Suigetsu). The right foot drives through the opponent and is set down as the lead leg. To finish, the defender shifts his weight back onto his left foot and assumes Primary Heart Stance (Shoshin no Kamae).

 

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