Sanchin Ichi & Ni Sanchin (Three Battles)
Sanchin was brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna. It translates as “3 Battles” or “3 Conflicts”, the three generally accepted as being: the body, mind and spirit. It is the fundamental kata of GoJu Ryu. Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perseverance and other mental attributes.
Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in all of Karate. In contrast, it is probably the single most valuable training exercise in Goju Ryu. Sanchin has such aspects as deep, diaphragmatic breathing found in many internal arts as well as external attributes like mechanical alignment and muscular strength.
