Introduction to Seiyunchin Kata
At Brown belt level you will be introduced to kata Seiyunchin. This kata has a number of similarities and differences between the previous kata to date.
It differs by the fact that, where Saifa deals with tearing ones-self free from an attacker’s grip and counter striking (Sai = smash and Fa = tear), Seiyunchin principles often deal with the attacker while they still have a grip on us. Seiyunchin translates as “to grab and pull in battle”.
Seiyunchin combat range is closer than Saifa’s as it often deals with an attacker who can reach completely around you.
Seiyunchin differs greatly to all previous kata in appearance by attacking and defending on angles. All previous katas follow the four basic embusen (line of movements), which are North, South, East or West. Seiyunchin, by contrast uses eight embusen (8 angles of movement).
Stances: Seiyunchin commonly uses three basic stances, sumo stance (Shiko dachi), pigeon toe stance (Sanchin dachi) and cat stance (Neko Ashi dachi).
It also introduces a student to a parallel stance (Heiko-Sanchin). Heiko-Sanchin dachi is very similar to Sanchin dachi (in length and width) however the front foot is parallel to the back foot (similar to Heiko dachi)
Strikes: The most commonly used strikes are back fists (ura uchi), hammer-fists to the groin (Gedan Tettsui) and the vertical fist punch or uppercut (Tate Tsuki).
It differs by the fact that, where Saifa deals with tearing ones-self free from an attacker’s grip and counter striking (Sai = smash and Fa = tear), Seiyunchin principles often deal with the attacker while they still have a grip on us. Seiyunchin translates as “to grab and pull in battle”.
Seiyunchin combat range is closer than Saifa’s as it often deals with an attacker who can reach completely around you.
Seiyunchin differs greatly to all previous kata in appearance by attacking and defending on angles. All previous katas follow the four basic embusen (line of movements), which are North, South, East or West. Seiyunchin, by contrast uses eight embusen (8 angles of movement).
Stances: Seiyunchin commonly uses three basic stances, sumo stance (Shiko dachi), pigeon toe stance (Sanchin dachi) and cat stance (Neko Ashi dachi).
It also introduces a student to a parallel stance (Heiko-Sanchin). Heiko-Sanchin dachi is very similar to Sanchin dachi (in length and width) however the front foot is parallel to the back foot (similar to Heiko dachi)
Strikes: The most commonly used strikes are back fists (ura uchi), hammer-fists to the groin (Gedan Tettsui) and the vertical fist punch or uppercut (Tate Tsuki).
