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SANZHAN (Sanchin) |
Karateka (karate students) and karate ‘sensei’ (practitioners of karate and teachers of karate) often assume that the name “Sanshangong” is a direct reference to the ‘Sanchin’ exercise (Sanchin kata) of Okinawan Gojuryu karate and Japanese Gojuryu karate. This is not the case! However…Sanzhan (Sanchin) does play a vital role within “Sanshangong”, so-much-so that the overall Sanzhan concept provides both the platform and the essential backbone to “Sanshangong” training. It was the Gojuryu karate kata called ‘Sanchin’ that first caught my attention almost three decades ago (in 1975) and so inspired me to research its Chinese predecessor. Thus have I been drawn to the unique and indigenous ‘Sanzhan’ forms of Fujianese martial arts as I continue to study and research this basic yet, at the same time, advanced and all-embracing phenomena. Although far from complete, my ongoing research together with my teaching pro-gramme and my daily training has allowed me to piece together a way of life - a way in life - a way to life - and a way for lifethat is the precursor to what we now know as traditional “Karate-Do”.For this reason, “Sanshangong” may also be refered to as “Chinese Karate” or “Pre-Tode Karate”.The history of Chinese martial arts and, more specifically, the martial arts of Fujian Province, is indeed a fascinating yet complex study. This Simon is currently writing and will release in book-form in due course. |