Kata Question (Pinan 3)

Bill's forum was the first! All subjects are welcome. Participation by all encouraged.

Moderator: Available

Evan Pantazi
Posts: 1897
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 1998 6:01 am
Location: N. Andover, Ma. USA
Contact:

Kata Question (Pinan 3)

Post by Evan Pantazi »

The Pinyin, Pinan or Heian series developed by Itosu were said to be developed from two main sources: Kata Kusanku and the 2 Channan Kata now extinct. Kata Kusanku is used widely throughout the Kempo Schools and the influence on the Pinyin series is very evident. On the other hand the Channan died out, how is this possible in such a short span of time from Itosu to now. Was it a Kata series that was the "secret of Sensei" that unfortunately died with him? There seems to be some knowledgable folks on this subject posting, anyone got any ideas or read anything on this?

Evan Pantazi
Robb in Sacramento
Posts: 181
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 1998 6:01 am
Location: Sacramento, California, USA

Kata Question (Pinan 3)

Post by Robb in Sacramento »

Evan:

Nakaya mentions the Channan forms and Kusanku (Kwanku in Shotokan) forms as the basis for the Pinans. But, it is also mentioned the Itosu was attempting to simplify the forms as the Naifanchi were too difficult for the school children. I must confess to seeing a bit of Naifanchi (Tekki), Passai (Bassai) and Chinto(Gankaku) in the Pinans.

Of course, there are several versions of these kata being practiced today. What the kata looked like when Itosu put together the Pinans is anyone's guess.

For Uechi-ka, the Pinans offer a valuable reference. The influence of the Pinans is quite evident in Kanshiwa (just as the evidence of the influence of Gojushiho in the application of several Uechi kata is evident). For Uechi students then, studying the Pinans, and there theory of defense can be quite helpful. It seems to me the pattern of the kata demonstrates an understanding of group psychology and the tactics of dissipating and isolating members of a group remains a viable strategy today.

For Uechi students, who seem in constant search of the "Lost Kata", the story of Itosu and the Pinans may also offer encouragement. We are not the only style to lose kata. And, just maybe, the folks who passed the kata on to us saw little need to preserve a particular kata, perhaps believing that the rest of the training they shared with us provides us with all the insight and tools necessary to our continued training.

Peace
Robb in Sacramento
Post Reply

Return to “Bill Glasheen's Dojo Roundtable”