Chinto
Meaning: “Fighting to the East”, “Attack From the East”, “Fighting in a City”, “Crane Standing on a Rock”, “Peace Preservation Center Fraction”, also believed to be the name of a Chinese Merchant, or a Chinese Pirate.
History: This kata has a lot of legend behind it. It is believed to have been created by Bushi Matsumura. Matsumura created this kata to reflect the teachings of a Chinese man, Chinto. Legend has it that a Chinese Merchant, Chinto, became shipwrecked and washed ashore on Okinawa. Without food, water, or money, it has been said that he would steal from the locals in an attempt to survive. He was so cunning and quick that none of the locals could stop him. Chinto quickly gained an incredible reputation. As his reputation built it also spread until it reached the ears of the King on Okinawa. To solve the problem The King sent his best Samurai, Bushi Matsumura. However, as hard as he tried Bushi Matsumura could not catch the man named Chinto either. So Matsumura took a different approach, instead he attempted to befriend and protect the lost man. This approach did work, and gradually Bushi Matsumura succeeded in befriending Chinto. As Matsumura became closer friends with Chinto, he realized that he was dealing with a great martial artist. In time Chinto taught his techniques to Matsumura. Chinto taught him many empty hand techniques as well as the use of the Sai. This is the version of the legend that most authors support. However I would like to noted, that some authors claim that Chinto was not a merchant, but that he was a pirate. Either way the rest of the legend is told in the same way. There are two main versions of this kata. One version performs the kata by turning 45 degrees to the left in the beginning and then running the kata on that 45 degree line. The second version of this kata doesn’t turn, but stays facing straight ahead and runs the kata in a straight line back and forth. It has been note that Chinto can be ran on a log, or on top of a balance beam.
What to Get Out of This Kata: Chinto contains many techniques for students to learn. The beginning teaches a counter grab with a strike and how to block from a crane stance. This kata will teach incredible balance to all of its practitioners. It teaches how to perform a jumping front kick, which can be used to cover ground. Chinto teaches several ways to throw an opponent to the ground, and then how to attack them while on the ground.