Transition of Naihanchi

Written by Motobu Naoki, translated by Ulf Karlsson

Naihanchi is one of the Kihon Kata of Karate. It has been said, since ancient times that: “Kata begins with Naihanchi, and ends with Naihanchi,” or “Karate begins with Naihanchi, and ends with Naihanchi.”

In addition, there are other Kihon Kata in Karate, such as Seisan and Sanchin. Usually, Naihanchi is used in Shurite and Tomarite as the base, while Sanchin is used in Nahate as the base. Seisan is used in both Shurite and Nahate, but in different variations.

However, attention must be paid to the above stereotypical classification, mainly used after 1897 (明治30年). The domain system was abolished in 1879 when the Ryukyu Kingdom was ended (from Ryukyu Han to Okinawa Ken). Most likely before Shurite did Sanchin, as well as before Kojo ryu (湖城流) and Nahate appear to have done Naihanchi. So, one should be careful to claim there were no Sanchin in Shurite or no Naihanchi in Nahate of karate (唐手), before or during the Meiji era (1868–1912).

Anyway, in the photos above, the Karateka showing Naihanchi are all students of Itosu Ankō sensei. You can see clear tendencies among the personal traits, and small differences between each person. For example, on the topic of stance work: From Yabu Kentsū sensei to Tōyama Kanken sensei, see how they stand, opening the knees and toes to point…