Naichanchi

Naichanchi

The word “Naichanchi” is said to mean “surreptitious steps” or “sideways fighting”, although there are also other meanings given for this name. It is said that Sokon Matsumura brought this kata back to Okinawa after a trip to China. Master Ohtsuka was taught this kata by Choki Motobu, who was one of the most feared fighters on the whole of Okinawa. The kata contains grappling, throwing and striking vulnerable areas. Many masters regard the techniques of this kata to be amongst the most effective of them all. Ohtsuka himself said that there was something deep about Naihanchi and it would take more than a lifetime to master. Naichanchi is a very old kata and no one is sure of its exact origin.