Sanchin and Tensho | Hokama Academy

Sanchin & Tensho: Deep Dive into Goju-Ryu Karate with Hokama Academy

Explore the powerful and foundational techniques of Sanchin and Tensho in this comprehensive guide from Hokama Academy. Discover the history, structure, and practical application of these core karate kata.

Section 1: Mastering Sanchin

• Demonstration of Sanchin: Witness the precise movements and powerful energy of this essential kata.
• Basic Training of Sanchin: Learn the fundamental principles and stances required for effective Sanchin practice.
• Sanchin Practice for Beginners: A step-by-step approach to help new students build a solid foundation.
• Sanchin Practice for Black Belt: Advanced techniques and refinements for experienced practitioners.
• Understanding Sanchin Structures: A detailed breakdown of the body mechanics and energy flow within Sanchin.
• The Essence of Sanchin & Gyaku Waza: Explore the philosophical and practical implications of Sanchin, including its connection to reverse techniques.

Section 2: Unlocking the Power of Tensho

• Demonstration of Tensho: Observe the fluid and dynamic movements of this significant kata.
• Mechanism of Tensho #1 & #2: A detailed analysis of the key movements and body mechanics involved in Tensho.
• Tensho with Explanations: Comprehensive explanations of the kata's techniques and principles.
• Breathing of Tensho: Learn the proper breathing techniques to enhance power and focus during Tensho.
• Application of Tensho: Discover how to apply the principles of Tensho in self-defense and sparring.
• History of Sanchin and Tensho: Trace the origins and evolution of these vital Goju-Ryu kata.

Section 3: Special Lectures & Resources

• Old Style Naihanchi & Bunkai: Explore traditional variations of Naihanchi and their applications.
• Q&A Sessions: Get your questions answered by leading experts in Goju-Ryu.
• Translation & Support: Resources provided by James Pankiewicz sensei - Asato Dojo- and Narumi Hirokazu - Kenshikai Headquarters-.
• International Online Seminar 2020: Access materials from the online seminar focused on Sanchin and Tensho.
• Cover Photo: Photography by Chris Willson Photography.

About Hokama Tetsuhiro, PhD, 10th Dan:

Hokama Tetsuhiro is the President of Okinawa Gojuryu Kenshikai Karatedo Kobudo Headquarters and Owner of the Okinawa Prefecture Karate Museum. A 10th Dan in Goju-Ryu Karate and Hokama Kobudo, he is also a calligrapher and researcher of Ryukyu history. Born in Taiwan in 1944, he studied Shuri-te under his grandfather and Goju-Ryu under Higa Seko and Fukuchi Seiko starting in 1961. He further studied Kobudo with Matayoshi Shimpo and others, and Koryu Shinto Tenshin-ryu. He earned a PhD in Physical Education in 2004. With over half a century of training, he has established a comprehensive curriculum encompassing Karate, Kobudo, Kinna-jutsu, and Kyusho-jutsu. The Kenshikai boasts some of the oldest and most complete Goju-Ryu kata available today.

Key Kata Covered:

• 型 (Kata): A fundamental aspect of Goju-Ryu training.
• 三戦 / Sanchin: The cornerstone of Goju-Ryu, emphasizing internal power and structure.
• 普及型 / Fukyu gata: Commonly practiced variations.
• 教材型 / Kyozai gata: Teaching and learning kata.
• 撃砕一 / Gekisai Ichi: A powerful kata focusing on breaking techniques.
• 撃砕二 / Gekisai Ni: A continuation of the Gekisai series.
• 砕破 / Saifa: A kata emphasizing breaking and forceful movements.
• 制引戦 / Seienchin: A kata focusing on defense and counter-attacks.
• 三十六手 / Sanseryu: A kata with 36 movements.
• 十八手 / Sepai: A kata with 18 movements.
• 四向戦 / Shisochin: A kata emphasizing four directional attacks.
• 十三手 / Seisan: A kata with 13 movements.
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