CompleteMartialArts.com - The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power
List Price: $24.95
Our Price: $16.47
Your Save: $ 8.48 ( 34% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: YMAA Publication Center
Average Customer Rating:
Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 796 EAN: 9781594390845 ISBN: 1594390843 Label: YMAA Publication Center Manufacturer: YMAA Publication Center Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 216 Publication Date: 2007-04-25 Publisher: YMAA Publication Center Studio: YMAA Publication Center
When Karate or Ti was first developed in Okinawa it was about using technique and extraordinary power to end a fight instantly. These old ways of generating remarkable power are still accessible, but they are purposefully hidden in Sanchin Kata for the truly dedicated to find. This book takes the practitioner to new depths of practice by breaking down the form piece-by-piece, body part by body part, so that the very foundation of the kata is revealed. Test It. Every chapter, concept, and application is accompanied by a Test It section, designed for you to explore and verify the kata for yourself. Sanchin Kata really comes alive, when you can feel the thrill of having those hidden teachings speak to you through your body across the ages. No other document, or video, available today provides such depth and exploration of Sanchin Kata. Simply put, once you read this book and test what you have learned, your Karate will never be the same.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: The way of Sanchin Comment: This book is a must for all traditional martial artist, no matter their styles. It's a complete manual for training and understanding the way of Sanchin kata. Mr. Wilder (author) has done an in depth research for this book. After reading this work my enthusiasm went over the roof and could not wait to start training with all the knowledge that this manual brings. I highly recommend you to study this great book!!! Customer Rating: Summary: Another Solid Book from Sensei Wilder Comment: First off, I must admit that I am a big fan of the books by Sensei Kane and Sensei Wilder. I own and have read most of them and have found them all to be excellent resources filled with information that is vital to anyone who considers him or herself to be a practical martial artist. Hence, I was quite excited when The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power arrived in my mailbox.
With that as the background, I must say that, on the most fundamental level, the book did not disappoint. Sanchin kata is probably one of the most poorly understood kata in all of karate. Very few people take the time to study and understand its application and purpose, and as a result, much of its value is lost upon the modern karateka. Fortunately for us, Wilder reverses this trend, as he did with Kane in The Way of Kata, breaking the form down into its smallest increments and making the book valuable for everyone from the lowest level beginner to the practitioner who has performed this kata for many years. The heart of the book, which focuses on using the kata to create proper body architecture, is absolutely outstanding. "Test It" segments follow every single principle and allow the reader to check whether he or she is accurately applying the given concept. Just a small amount of work with these tests will improve the practitioner's kata many times over. Plus, Sensei Wilder's "Ten Minute Sanchin" method is one of the best ways for improving the performance of the kata that I have seen.
However, despite all of the positives listed above, there are a few quibbles that I have with the book that keep me from giving it the four or five-star rating I expect to give any of Sensei Wilder's books. First, and most importantly, the book feels a bit light. The text is only 166 pages (not counting the glossary and index), many of which are illustration heavy. Plus, there are a couple of instances where portions of the text are simply copied almost verbatim from previous sections of the book (for example, compare the passage on brain cycles on pages 12 and 13 with the passage on pages 103-105). Now, in most of Sensei Wilder's books, he does follow a fairly rigid format - mention all the salient points in the introduction, expand upon them in the body of the chapter/book, and give a recap/review in the conclusion. However, the example mentioned above provides little (if any) expansion on what was discussed earlier in the text.
Secondly, and this is a minor issue, I would have liked to have seen a few photos in the book. Sensei Wilder's illustrations are clean, clear, and useful to the reader. However, there were some concepts that I feel would have been better illustrated with photographs. This lack of photos also adds to the feeling that the book was somewhat rushed to the printers or perhaps warranted a lower price point.
Finally, certain portions of the book border on pseudo-science or the metaphysical. The idea that the Fibonacci sequence/Golden Ratio appears in the structure of sanchin kata is interesting (especially to me, as my day job is working as a mathematics instructor at a community college). However, most claims of the Golden Ratio appearing in human anatomy or nature are disputed at best, dubious at worst. Moreover, there is not enough detailed discussion of the matter for the reader to really explore the issue for him or herself. In addition, there is a non-negligible portion of the text devoted to the idea of "energetic structure" and the power of ki. Such claims and references always bring out my skeptical side, particularly when they cannot be explained through either psychological or physiological means.
Despite these issues, though, I still must say that I recommend the book. The body architecture portions of the book alone make it a valuable addition to any martial arts library. Anyone who reads and seriously applies this knowledge to his or her sanchin kata practice will see a marked improvement, not just in the kata itself, but in the whole of his or her martial arts activities. Customer Rating: Summary: An excellent book! Comment: After a few months of using the ideas and drills presented in this book I can honestly say not only my Sanchin, but my Karate in general has seen a very positive effect.
This is a book you will keep coming back to, and if you're anything like me yours will be dog-eared in a few months. Customer Rating: Summary: Kata Sanchin - trinkit or treasure? Comment: I have been training in Karate for 18 years and have never had Kata Sanchin explained to me as thoroughly as Sensei Wilder does in this book. He takes the reader step-by-step from the ground up to the proper position of your head. All along the way he gives "test it" sections to check your progress and to see it really work. My Sanchin Kata has improoved and will never be the same.
For many years Kata Sanchin was just a kata that sat on the back shelf. It never held my interest. The movements appeared basic, repeditive and quite honestly...boreing. However, now that I have a better understanding of what Kata Sanchin is about, I have a new found respect and appreciation for it. The principals and techniques as outlined by Sensei Wilder make a profound difference that can be both seen and felt.
I found the book easy to read and understand. It is very well organized. Sensei Wilder begins at the feet, works up the legs and hips, up the spine and ending up to the proper position of the head. The "test it" sections are invaluable.
Simply put, if you want Kata Sanchin to come alive with application and strengthen your technique to a point you never thought achievable. If you want to tap into your bodies full potential for balance, stability, and power...then this book can help guide you there. It is not about magic or mysticism, but good old fashion body mechanics, posture, and focus. Practice, practice, practice.
Customer Rating: Summary: Essential reading for the serious karateka Comment: Sanchin is one of the simplest kata to learn, yet one of the most profound and difficult to grasp. Unlike other kata that catalogue fighting techniques, Sanchin concentrates on developing physical toughness and short-range power to underpin the learnings of the other kata, and in the Goju Ryu system Sanchin is often cited as the most important kata of all. Yet considering its importance, there has been little written about it - until now. This excellent book covers every aspect of this essential kata in great detail, from performance to fighting applications and the health benefits that can be derived from its correct practice. The Way of Sanchin is essential reference for any martial artist wishing to understand this core kata. Kris Wilder brings his long experience in various martial arts to bear in an interesting and engaging way - congratulations on an excellent and long overdue book.
