Shorin-Ryu Kata – Naihanchi 1 or Naihanchi Shodan
This section looks at Shorin-Ryu Karate Kata Naihanchi 1 (or Naihanchi Shodan). For more Shorin-Ryu Karate katas, visit the main Shorin-Ryu Katas section.
If you are looking for the katas of other Karate styles (i.e. Shotokan or Wado-Ryu), visit the main Katas & Forms section.
Shorin-Ryu Kata – Naihanchi Shodan
Kata Instructions
- In my style of Okinawan Karate, Matsubayashi-ryu Shorin-ryu, Naihanchi Shodan is first learned at Green/Orange Belt, depending on ability. A few things to think about on this kata:
- All stepping across is done with “pinky toes” touching each other and making a “V” before the stomp. EXCEPT for the 2nd step across. I was taught to leave an inch or 2 in between the toes for that step.
- Keep your knees pressed out and feet pointed straight forward, maybe even a bit inwards, on the Nahanchi stance.
- Think about more of a forearm smash instead of a “double punch” on the end movement for each side to get more snap. Although in advanced bunkai, this movement can be some form of choke or neck crank/takedown.
References
- Kata instructions are courtesy of Okinawan Karate School – Forsyth, GA , http://www.okinawan-karateschool.com , added 12/13/2014