Naihanchi

Meaning: There are several meanings given to this name, “fighting on home ground”, “iron horse”, “sideways fighting”. All of these meanings can be understood when one looks at the movements and the use of the horse stance in these kata.

History: And yet once again there is disagreement as to how created these kata. The credit once again goes to either Bushi Matsumura or Anko Itosu. Most authors give the credit to Bushi Matsumura though. Some authors says that Naihanchi Shodan was created by Bushi Matsumura while Nidan and Sandan were created by Itosu. Others state that Bushi Matsumura created Shodan and Nidan with Sandan being created by Itosu. This was traditionally the first kata taught to new students.  Naihanchi Shodan was the first kata the Master Soken learned from his uncle.  It is believed that these kata came from Chinese origin. This kata is found in both the Shuri-te lineage and the Tomari-te lineage.  There are several different ideas as to why these kata were created. The first is that it was used to teach students how to fight against three people with there back against the wall. The second says that it taught students how to fight on top of the walkways of the rice paddies. And third it is suggest that they were simple developed to create strong stances and develop hip and leg strength. This would lead to the meaning “iron horse”.

What to Get Out of This Kata:  These kata teaches students how to fight in the front and then fight at your side without having to switch stances.  Students learn how to block a kick from the front with the shin, and learn how to leg check to the side.  The kata teaches students how to use a reinforced back-fist.  Students learn how to block an attack and then with punch the arm of the attack or break the arm of the attacker.  This kata teaches students how to become rooted to the ground, through the use of horse stances. 

Kata