Goju-ryu Sanchin

Have you ever wondered why some schools of Goju-ryu perform two 180 degree turns in the kata Sanchin and other schools do not?

The answer to such a question can be found in the timing, or should I say, the timeline.

The pre-war method of performing Sanchin as taught by Miyagi Chojun sensei included two 180 degree turns within the perfornace of the kata. This can be verified with his article, “Goju-ryu Kenpo” he wrote in 1932. In this article, under the chapter “Explanation of the Basic Kata Sanchin”, he wrote of the importance of the 180 degree turns.

Rolling forward to the period of April 1 to June 22, 1945. The 82 day Battle of Okinawa referred to as tetsu no ame ("rain of steel”) devastated the island and its people. The conflict destroyed Miyagi’s assets and wealth which made it difficult to live. Miyagi sensei also had to endure the loss of two daughters and one son. Jin-an Shinsato, Miyagi sensei’s senior student also perished in the conflict. It was at this time reportedly, that Miyagi sensei’s health began to fail understandably.

By the year 1952, Miyagi sensei’s health severely declined. It was around this time (1950’s) when Miyagi sensei eliminated the two 180 degree turns in the kata Sanchin. His ill health forced the master to teach and instruct while sitting down. As you may know, it is considered disrespectful to turn your back to your teacher, thus, Miyagi sensei eliminated the two 180 degree turns in Sanchin.

So based on the events above, we can see how the kata is practiced by some schools with the 180 degree turns and other schools do not. I think it is safe to say that junior karate-ka that began training with Miyagi sensei in the 1950’s learned the new version without the 180 degree turns and the senior karate-ka (pre-war / pre 1950’s) learned the kata with the turns.

I think that whatever method you practice, is the correct way for you, so long the intent is projected within the performance of the kata as intended by the master. Although I practice the kata with the two 180 degree turns I believe that the no turn method is a part of our Goju-ryu history and appreciate those that maintain that tradition of our teacher Miyagi.

Hope you enjoyed.
Good health and good training.