Insights
Nai-hanchi
The Wado Kata Nai-hanchi originates from a set of three Kata, known as Naihanchi-Shodan,
Naihanchi-Nidan and Naihanchi-Sandan. The Wado Kata Nai-hanchi is the first, Nai-hanchi Shodan.
Although Ohtsuka Meijin originally learned all three of these Kata, he only felt it necessary
to practise the first (Naihanchi-Shodan). Ohtsuka Meijin learned the Kata from the famous Motobu
Choki. Motobu was famous for testing karate in real life combat situations. He also demonstrated
a personal dislike towards Funakoshi Gichin, the creator of what
became known as the Shotokan style of karate. Ohtsuka Meijin modified
the Nai-hanchi he learned from Motobu in order for it to be assimilated
into the Wado technique. Later Funakoshi Gichin changed the name of
this series of Kata to Tekki. So, for Shotokan Karate practitioners, these
Kata became known as Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan.
In the traditional Wado-ryu syllabus, Nai-hanchi is learned after Ku-
Shanku and before Seishan. Although Ku-Shanku is generally looked
upon as a culmination of all the Pinan Kata, Nai-hanchi represents the
first Kata in the next series which goes from Nai-hanchi to Seishan and
then to Chinto.
Nai-hanchi introduces a new stance, Nai-hanchi Dachi, and with it different
connotations and methods of movement & power generation. Ohgami
Sensei states that; 'In short, Nai-hanchi Kata is to train Nai-hanchi
stance'.
Nai-hanchi dachi is the first of the Uchiwa-dachi or 'inner circle stances'.
Others include; (Yoko) Seishan Dachi & Tate Seishan Dachi from the Kata Seishan, and Chinto
Dachi from the Kata Chinto.
Gary E Swift Kyoshi.