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How I teach sanchin

Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:38 pm
by Art Rabesa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOiqB3OEH_Q

This is how I instruct sanchin. I go slowly while explaining sanchins highlights. Speed and power (hopefully) can be seen if done in this manner. This is simply my way of looking at sanchin. Practice it this way, or not this way. That is your right. If my movements seem strong to you, it is because of doing sanchin as I'm showing. This flows into everything you do in the complete training of Uechi Ryu. I hope I have shown sanchin in it's best light. I also hope you see it's benefit.
Happy Trails---------Art

Re: How I teach sanchin

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 2:08 pm
by Art Rabesa
What are you trying to get out of sanchin? What is it anyway? Why do we always hear of it's importance? Important questions I believe. My experience and study have given me sanchins meaning. I've explained it to M.D's without actually using the term "sanchin." I've used it in other athletic ways, in other sports. To get all the muscle fibers firing with the coordinated breath at the same time. To have the muscular system set in the most stable and strong way.
When discussing this with non karate doctors, it becomes a physiology lesson. I had to take physiology twice in college, so I really paid attention this time. How does the body work in all sports to achieve maximum results?
It always comes back to the muscle fibers and bone alignment. Respiratory coordination in the strike also enters in as well. So I demonstrate a couple of steps and thrusts for the doctor. This receives lots of attention. I'm 76 so this alone makes a statement. I've had another doctor come in to have a look. All without saying anything about sanchin or any aspect of the training.
To get the strong foundation, strong power mode, fast powerful thrust; this is what the doctors saw. The body set in the position I got into. Here, all major muscle groups come together forming one mass. To have the breathing lowered in short coordinated breaths. To have the bones of the arm align with the forward muscles. To allow the elbow to guide the arm bones along a sliding path. To coordinate the snapping turn of the hand and completion of the thrust. The forward muscle groups and bone alignment, stop the thrusts forward movement. The breathing stops just as the thrust abruptly comes to a halt.
The step becomes a plodding leg movement and placing of the foot. It's actually not done in a stepping motion at all. I mentioned my thoughts on a "one piece movement." Meaning everything exploding all at once, and ending all at once. The agreement made me feel very good.
What we all see as "sanchin" is this human body coordinated position that results in a very powerful outcome. Using this method in all of our Uechi Ryu training is what we seek and need. That's why I teach sanchin the way I do. That's why I do it this way.
Happy Trails -------Art

Re: How I teach sanchin and why

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2018 7:14 pm
by Art Rabesa
I do not see many doing sanchin as I do. Please let me attempt to explain why I do a slower plodding sanchin. Unlike our other kata's, sanchin doesn't fire out of other stances into another stance and strike. It doesn't have angles and numerous turns involved. It simply is as much an exercise as it is a kata. Exercise, meaning that we are seeking a strong base and a power position. I call it the power mode. We want to develop this power mode and take it with us at all times. To develop this strong base and explosiveness, is why I practice and teach sanchin as I do. A pronounced plodding step and deliberate arm placement for the thrust.Setting the hand, rather than pulling it forcefully back, ready's you for the only part of sanchin that explodes -- the thrust. Turning the hand over at the last instant, will develop the half soft - half hard effect of Uechi Ryu. It allows the elbow to ride through the sanchin arm slot to the snapping movement of the hand. The hand stays palm up almost 95% of the way out. The hand snaps palm down here. This is why I can hit so hard from so close. This allows you to carry your hands deeper into movements before striking.
Sanchin is not just a step and a trust. It is a drill that will give you that solid base and hitting power that you seek. Only if you perform sanchin in this manner. After 55 years of Uechi Ryu, I've come to understand where to dig up the explosion. Watch sanchin in the post above. See the pronounced plant of the foot and the setting of the hand. See where that thrust is coming from. See the hand stay palm up most of the way until the very end. See how the body moves from plant to plant. The thrust comes from the power mode and not the arm.
Is sanchin a step and thrust? Hell no!
Happy Trails ----Art Have a look =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VRcvr-yNPk

Re: How I teach sanchin

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2023 1:45 pm
by emattson
Tai chi is known for its slow, intentional movements. The Chinese martial art practice is popular in Boston, Tampa, and many other places. I've seen them during Boston Chinatown festivals.