I'm confused as to how this kata is to be preformed. I understand it is a slow and muscle building kata, paired with the hard breathing.
Which foot slides into sanchin dachi first? I was confused on this as well.
Any help explaining the technicalities about "sanchin no kata" would be helpful.
In Isshin-ryu's Sanchin, the right foot is first to step out, but my understanding is that this kata varies from style to style.
Obviously the best way to learn the technicalities of Sanchin(or any other kata) is from a qualified instructor. Sanchin was originally a chinese form, but was adopted very early by Okinawan karate schools. Okinawan styles that teach some form of this kata include: Goju-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Isshin-ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushinkai, and probably several others. So if you are really interested in learning this kata, a practitioner of one of those styles might be able to teach you.
If you train Kyokushin, I would like to recommend you to take a look into a book written by Shihan Arneil "Kyokushin karate kata". As I can see, Sanchin kata was explained there step by step, like other katas.
On the other hand, most of my friends found watching youtube videos in slow motion very useful (set up by clicking at "gear" button) Sanchin Kyokushinkai kata
I hope it will be enough for you to remember most important technicalities (like which leg moves when, which hand blocks/strikes in what order). To learn the kata properly, Sensei supervision is required anyway. Experienced Sensei would see at one glance all yours errors and mistakes in stances and techniques.
Be also aware that even different Kyokushin organizations differs on some details in kata. My dojo belongs to Kyokushin World Federation so i.e. some punches are lowered from jodan to chudan.
In addition, I can share with you short instruction how to go into migi sanchin dachi at the beginning of kata:
Sanchin originates from the Chinese kung-fu forms "San Chiem" or "San Zhan".
Example comparisons of the various Chinese and Okinawan versions of the kata, this video shows how each style practises it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWh-uhw4C9s
It means (in all of the names and languages) "Three battles". Possibly a shortening of "Three Battle Steps".
While there is little to no direct evidence for the following view, the shortness of the kata indicates it was more likely to have originated from a formalised type of 3 step sparring. Something that Asian arts very often make use of early in the training of a technique. As such it would not have have been practised solo, but with a partner.
In various chinese kung-fu systems the convention used within forms to indicate a grip on an opponent is an open hand. Within Okinawan karate systems, the convention is a closed hand. When the kata was brought from China to Okinawa the local convention was used and the open hands were replaced with closed.
Now the kata very commonly has both hands raised with the grip convention. It indicates that when practising with a partner that you would have a two handed grip on that partner. Effectively a clinch position.
The kata is therefore very similar to wrestling "pummelling" drills where the two attempt to gain a superior position. This also explains the use of tension and dynamic tension when practising the kata within various karate styles and the use of the Sanchin stance.
Without a partner providing resistance when practising solo, the practitioner has to provide that resistance themselves. Today, the resistance is often used to build muscle, it's an interesting and innovative way of practising.
Or, put another way. Sanchin is a form of 3 step sparring, teaching wrestling from a clinch. The end techniques differ from style to style and are probably relatively unimportant in themselves, they would likely have changed depending on what was being practised at the time, though they could also indicate good clinch ending techniques.
I highly recommend practising Sanchin with a partner. It's ... enlightening.
