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PRIVATE LESSON TRAINING TIP
FROM MASTER EARLE

Sanchin is a moving meditation exercise. It is the core exercise: the heart of UECHI. Paradoxically, this seemingly simple exercise contains all the positions and patterns of movement of UECHI. All of UECHI's secrets are within Sanchin. The trick is to know how to interpret it.

This section deals only with helping the student to memorize the stepping movements of Sanchin. Only after a thorough understanding of all the basics can the student begin to practice Sanchin internally for the development of central power, balance, and spirit. Be patient, dedicated, and practice as instructed. The advanced secrets of Sanchin will ultimately be revealed to you. Be careful to use this Sanchin guide only as a supplement to your classroom instruction. Do not go ahead of that which has been introduced to you in class.

SANCHIN STEPPING

The proper way to step in Sanchin should be learned before the hand movements are introduced. Place feet shoulder width apart, heel of the forward foot on line with the toes of the rear foot. The foot should be turned in about 30 degrees (not 45 degrees) and the outer edge of the back foot should point straight forward. Weight should be centered between the feet and knees bent to the first flexion. Hips facing squarely to the front, your back should be straight.

To perform the step, first straighten the forward foot pivoting on the ball of the forward foot (pulling the heel in toward you). Bring your rear foot up beside your forward foot about one-half shoulder width (your feet should not touch otherwise your ankle bones might collide), continuing the movement forward in a semi-circular path to the next Sanchin position. Question: Why shouldn't the feet touch as they pass through the Sanchin stance? Ans. Try to walk down the street with your ankle bones colliding as they pass by each other. It's not natural. Then walk naturally and try to observe how wide apart your feet are as they pass by each other. This should be the width of your Sanchin stance as you walk through it. The width is different for each individual.

You will use this stance to maintain a strong, balanced position against your opponent, while at the same time retaining a high mobility.

SANCHIN TURNS

While standing in a Sanchin stance, begin your turn by turning your head, shoulders, and hips in sequence in the direction of your turn. Pivot on the ball of the rear foot until it points diagonally to the rear, setting it down firmly in place. Bring your other foot around so that it ends up to the rear of the other foot in the opposite Sanchin stance. Never have both feet moving at the same time. Each non-moving foot provides an anchor to the floor. This is a 180 degree turn. You will need this movement to defend against an attacker from the rear.

SANCHIN PRACTICE

Practice repetitions of the above described movements until you have thoroughly mastered each one. When this is achieved, practice the movements in sequence as taught to you in class. Only when you are comfortable with the complete Sanchin sequence should you then learn the special breathing method of Sanchin.

Charles Earle's Uechi Karate School
153 Weybosset Street, Providence 401-274-1600

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My Story

In September 1961, while attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I became interested in karate. A fellow dorm resident, who was a ROTC candidate, was successful in defending himself while walking through Central Square, enroute from Harvard Square back to MIT. He said someone attacked him with a knife and he left the assailant wreathing in pain on the ground. The story intrigued me. What power to be able to defend oneself successfully--empty handed no less--against a knife attack!  Read more...