Instructions for 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 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.

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

1. Kata instructions are courtesy of Okinawan Karate School - Forsyth, GA , http://www.okinawan-karateschool.com , added 12/13/2014