Insights
Complimentary and Contradicting forces in Pinan Kata
Pinan Kata demonstrates aspects of individual concepts that many may not be aware of. If we take Ku-Shanku and break it down we can then identify these elements and recognise and understand them into the Kata of their own.
Although all
Kata generally demonstrate a ‘dropping movement’ at the start, we can also take each Pinan and dissect certain elements
from them and form individual concepts from each of them. The more advanced the Pinan, the closer to Ku-Shanku we
get with the more advanced principles of motion and technique. For example:
Pinan Nidan: This demonstrates the fundamentals of Junzuki, where the same hand is being used with the leading foot. All
fundamental Karate movement derives from Junzuki and is delivered from these initial principles.
Pinan Shodan: This Kata introduces the practitioner to Gyakuzuki. However, a more important, and very often overlooked
principle, are the concepts of ‘contradicting forces’ of the striking/blocking movements. These principles are apparent in
our Kihon-Gumite where the body shifts one way and the contradicting energy is used in the technique.
Pinan Sandan: This Kata forms the basis of the ‘complimentary forces’, where the body twists and the striking/blocking
technique follows the flow of the body movement.
Pinan Yodan: This Kata utilises forward ‘double movement’, whereby the double-blocks are used in harmony in an up &
down motion. Additionally, we can also see the demonstration of motion demonstrated in Pinan Shodan and Pinan Sandan.
Pinan Godan: This Kata utilizes double-handed techniques demonstrating both ‘complimentary forces’ and ‘contradicting
forces’. Additionally, we also see demonstration of other two-handed tactics
and elements not already obvious in the previous Pinan Kata but are contained
in the Ku-Shanku Kata. For example, jumping, rising and dropping
movements, etc. Pinan Godan could also be considered an introduction to
some of the elements and principles contained within Chinto Kata.
Gary E Swift Kyoshi.