This article is written as an opinion piece and is NOT to argue the legitimacy of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu as a martial arts or a mcdojo, etc. We believe that there is always something to be learned. From our research, we would like to highlight one of the basic levels kata that is commonly practice by most of its practitioners: Sanshin-No-Kata (三心の型) of the Gyokko-ryū (玉虎流).
Many videos available online showcases Sanshin-no-kata (some with variation). Below is the breakdown of the kata:
Chi no Kata 地の型
In its basic form, this kata begins from shizen no kamae (自然の構) and shifts directly back so that the heels are in line. Raise the front arm, shifting forward, bringing the rear arm up like a pendulum and step forward in a walking motion to strike.
Sui no Kata 水の型
This kata begins from shizen no kamae and moves away from the opponent at an acute angle off the opponent’s line of motion. As the body is moving back, bring up the front arm for an upper block, then walk into the opponent to strike using the rear arm with Omote Shutou (表手刀) horizontally to the neck.
Ka no Kata 火の型
This kata begins from shizen no kamae and moves away from the opponent at an acute angle off the opponent’s line of motion. As the body is moving back, bring up the front arm for an upper block, then walk into the opponent to strike using the rear arm with Ura Shutou (裏手刀) to the neck.
Fu no Kata 風の型
This kata begins from shizen no kamae and moves away from the opponent at an acute angle off the opponent’s line of motion. As the body is moving back, bring the arm down for a lower block, then walk into the opponent to strike with the rear arm to strike using a Boshi Ken (拇指拳) to a pressure point (usually under the armpit).
Ku no Kata 空の型
This kata begins from shizen no kamae and moves away from the opponent at an acute angle off the opponents line of motion. As the body is moving back, bring the arm down in Gedan Uke (下段受) and strike to the opponents face with Metsubushi (目潰し), bring the leg up in Hichou no kamae (飛鳥の構) then kick to the groin with Mae Geri (前蹴).
It is believed that the core elements of this style of fighting were brought to Japan from China following the defeat of Kudara (province of ancient Korea) in 663 AD by one of the warring Generals, Cho-Busho. Hence it is safe to surmise that there is military training influence as well. Upon taking a closer look, we can divide the striking angles into four quadrants.
Chi no Kata is a thrusting motion which pin point a strike in the center.
Sui no Kata is a strike from the upper right quadrant.
Ka no Kata is a strike from the upper left quadrant.
Fu no Kata is a strike from the lower right quadrant.
Ku no Kata however does not comply with the quadrant.
There is a lower left quadrant strike missing. So if we think about it from a historical military standpoint, if we were to hold a basic shield on the left hand and a spear on the right, the Sanshin no Kata is transformed completely and would make more sense!
In historical times, common folk such as farmers are enlisted into the army during wartimes. In order to train these people from various background in the shortest amount of time, this set pattern on armed-based striking is most ideal.
The most basic of strike is a trust with the spear in the right hand which is what Chi no Kata emphasizes.
For Sui no Kata, evading an attack that can or cannot be predicted with an upper block holding a shield. This is then followed with an outside horizontal strike (upper right quadrant) to the neck. The specifics to the neck make sense as the enemy is also wearing armor and the neck is one of the fastest way to victory in decapitation.
Similarly, for Ka no Kata, follows the same repertoire as Sui no Kata but with a strike from the upper left quadrant.
Fu no Kata shows a variation in the block utilizing a lower block paired with a strike from the bottom right quadrant.
There is no pattern that covers striking from the bottom left quadrant. This would then make sense (if we use the sword and spear application) as the shield is present on the left hand and would prevent strikes from that bottom quadrant making it unnatural.
Ku no Kata however features a lower block with the shield, the Metsubushi movement with the rear arm would make more sense if replaced with a spear thrust. As the spear is stuck in the enemy’s body, a shift kick is used to kick the body away or as a follow into unarmed combat (after discarding the weapon).
Hence, in our humble opinion, the emphasis and training of Sanshin no Kata would be more rewarding by keeping in mind that these Katas are tied with weapons instead of purely unarmed combat.
