 |
Richard Marlin's Success Martial Arts Black Belt Academy
81 Union Street, South Lismore. 6622 4799
email: sma@successmartialarts.com.au
81 Union Street, South Lismore. 6622 4799
email: sma@successmartialarts.com.au
Honesty Respect Self-Control Humility Perseverance Contribution Indomitable Spirit
CHINTO
The famous Okinawan karate master Bushi Matsumura (c.1797-1889) formulated the moves of the modern kata known as Chinto in the early 19th Century.
Bushi Matsumura was one of the great Okinawan Karate instructors and was also respected as a master swordsman. His wife also came from a martial arts family and she was exceptionally good for a woman and very strong. The story goes that she could pick up a 140 lb. bag of beans and sweep under them at the same time. Some people wondered who would win if Matsumura and his wife got into a fight.
One day Matsumura disguised himself and attempted to sneak up on her. She soundly beat him and tied him to a tree. He was later released by some passers-by. He went to Sakagawa and talked to him because He was ashamed that his wife had beaten him so he got some coaching from another karate master. With this coaching, he bested his wife in two other encounters. It goes to show that behind every great master…
Legend tells of a Chinese sailor named Chinto, shipwrecked on Okinawa during a typhoon. He hid in caves near the beach and stole food at night to survive. Villagers complained and Matsumura was sent to take care of the problem.
When Matsumura finally caught up with Chinto an intense fight ensued. But every time Matsumura attacked, Chinto would cleverly side-step the attack and quickly counter-attack. Matsumura was left bewildered by his inability to hit Chinto. Chinto escaped and hid in a cemetery.
Later, Matsumura found him and befriended him. Matsumura helped the sailor by providing him with food and hiding him from the authorities in exchange for the sailor teaching him his techniques.
Chinto techniques are thought to be from a Chinese system called Chunan Fa (Kempo). It was a popular system taught along the southeastern coast of China at the time.
From those techniques, Matsumura formulated Chinto Kata which he taught to to Itosu Yasatsuni , Yabu Kentsu and Chotoku Kyan. Apparently there are three distinct lineages of Chinto in Okinawan Karate:
1. Matsumura/Itosu performed front to back.
2. Kosaku Matsumora performed side to side, and
3. Chotoku Kyan, performed at 45 degrees.
And within these main lineages there are many versions. Chinto appears in Isshinryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Shotokan Karate in which it is called Gankaku, meaning "Crane on a Rock." It involves continuous adjustments through many stances, consists of about 56 moves, and takes about 55 seconds to complete.
The version now practiced at SMA, known as “old style,” is performed on 45 degree lines, which means it is from the Chotoku Kyan lineage. Master Richard learnt this version of Chinto from "old style" Karate Master Stephen Bjukstad.
The purpose of the kata is commonly interpreted as learning to fight on uneven terrain, pivoting and sidestepping to defend against an opponent, then following with rapid counter-attacks. It is also said that Chinto teaches you to take advantage of the natural terrain and environment by keeping uphill, above your opponent and keeping the sun or moon at your back. The Kata also teaches you to fight in narrow areas like hallways, paths, bars, or any confined area.
The student is introduced to rapid changes of stance which require excellent footwork and balance. Practice of Chinto develops speed, mobility, and balance along with superior technique. It’s obvious to see why Matsumura had such a difficult time fighting the sailor named Chinto.
Chinto footwork angles at 45 degrees from the starting position. It is an advanced and deceptive kata, including clever and unpredictable stance shifting. It moves quickly and utilizes several spinning maneuvers. Chinto’s trademark is the Chinto pivot. With one quick snapping move your body is rotated one-hundred-eighty degrees and there is also a unique three-hundred-sixty degree turn.
Chinto also features a double flying front kick, several spinning blocks, an elbow smash, and a kneeling punch. It incorporates most types of blocks known in Karate. Because you do not remain in one stance for extended periods, you need to think more of rhythm and timing than a rigid position. Continuous movement requires you to embody each technique with clear intention and to retain balance continuously.
Many outstanding fighters have adapted the evasionary side-stepping principles of Chinto to their personal fighting styles. They use deceptive and evasive maneuvers with a natural fluidity that involves dropping the notion of set stances or unresponsive positions. Chinto teaches elusive fighting which is challenging to master, but also difficult to defend against.
The variety of techniques and movements in this kata, combined with its natural flow and flux, is conducive to living a long and active life, as attested to by Matsumura himself, who lived into his nineties, quite a feat way back then!
This is one of Master Richard's favourite Kata because it is so dynamic and exciting, because it facilitated the mobility and unpredictability he needed to win his sparring bouts at the Oceania Championships and the World Championships, and also because it is a part of his martial arts practice that keeps him feeling young.
Even though this Kata is a terrific one in its own right, if you are into sparring Chinto is a must.
With more resilient footwork, pliable twisting of the torso, and rapid-fire execution of counters, your resources will also deepen. Chinto's lessons prepare you for broadening awareness. Practice lots and enjoy!
Bushi Matsumura was one of the great Okinawan Karate instructors and was also respected as a master swordsman. His wife also came from a martial arts family and she was exceptionally good for a woman and very strong. The story goes that she could pick up a 140 lb. bag of beans and sweep under them at the same time. Some people wondered who would win if Matsumura and his wife got into a fight.
One day Matsumura disguised himself and attempted to sneak up on her. She soundly beat him and tied him to a tree. He was later released by some passers-by. He went to Sakagawa and talked to him because He was ashamed that his wife had beaten him so he got some coaching from another karate master. With this coaching, he bested his wife in two other encounters. It goes to show that behind every great master…
Legend tells of a Chinese sailor named Chinto, shipwrecked on Okinawa during a typhoon. He hid in caves near the beach and stole food at night to survive. Villagers complained and Matsumura was sent to take care of the problem.
When Matsumura finally caught up with Chinto an intense fight ensued. But every time Matsumura attacked, Chinto would cleverly side-step the attack and quickly counter-attack. Matsumura was left bewildered by his inability to hit Chinto. Chinto escaped and hid in a cemetery.
Later, Matsumura found him and befriended him. Matsumura helped the sailor by providing him with food and hiding him from the authorities in exchange for the sailor teaching him his techniques.
Chinto techniques are thought to be from a Chinese system called Chunan Fa (Kempo). It was a popular system taught along the southeastern coast of China at the time.
From those techniques, Matsumura formulated Chinto Kata which he taught to to Itosu Yasatsuni , Yabu Kentsu and Chotoku Kyan. Apparently there are three distinct lineages of Chinto in Okinawan Karate:
1. Matsumura/Itosu performed front to back.
2. Kosaku Matsumora performed side to side, and
3. Chotoku Kyan, performed at 45 degrees.
And within these main lineages there are many versions. Chinto appears in Isshinryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Shotokan Karate in which it is called Gankaku, meaning "Crane on a Rock." It involves continuous adjustments through many stances, consists of about 56 moves, and takes about 55 seconds to complete.
The version now practiced at SMA, known as “old style,” is performed on 45 degree lines, which means it is from the Chotoku Kyan lineage. Master Richard learnt this version of Chinto from "old style" Karate Master Stephen Bjukstad.
The purpose of the kata is commonly interpreted as learning to fight on uneven terrain, pivoting and sidestepping to defend against an opponent, then following with rapid counter-attacks. It is also said that Chinto teaches you to take advantage of the natural terrain and environment by keeping uphill, above your opponent and keeping the sun or moon at your back. The Kata also teaches you to fight in narrow areas like hallways, paths, bars, or any confined area.
The student is introduced to rapid changes of stance which require excellent footwork and balance. Practice of Chinto develops speed, mobility, and balance along with superior technique. It’s obvious to see why Matsumura had such a difficult time fighting the sailor named Chinto.
Chinto footwork angles at 45 degrees from the starting position. It is an advanced and deceptive kata, including clever and unpredictable stance shifting. It moves quickly and utilizes several spinning maneuvers. Chinto’s trademark is the Chinto pivot. With one quick snapping move your body is rotated one-hundred-eighty degrees and there is also a unique three-hundred-sixty degree turn.
Chinto also features a double flying front kick, several spinning blocks, an elbow smash, and a kneeling punch. It incorporates most types of blocks known in Karate. Because you do not remain in one stance for extended periods, you need to think more of rhythm and timing than a rigid position. Continuous movement requires you to embody each technique with clear intention and to retain balance continuously.
Many outstanding fighters have adapted the evasionary side-stepping principles of Chinto to their personal fighting styles. They use deceptive and evasive maneuvers with a natural fluidity that involves dropping the notion of set stances or unresponsive positions. Chinto teaches elusive fighting which is challenging to master, but also difficult to defend against.
The variety of techniques and movements in this kata, combined with its natural flow and flux, is conducive to living a long and active life, as attested to by Matsumura himself, who lived into his nineties, quite a feat way back then!
This is one of Master Richard's favourite Kata because it is so dynamic and exciting, because it facilitated the mobility and unpredictability he needed to win his sparring bouts at the Oceania Championships and the World Championships, and also because it is a part of his martial arts practice that keeps him feeling young.
Even though this Kata is a terrific one in its own right, if you are into sparring Chinto is a must.
With more resilient footwork, pliable twisting of the torso, and rapid-fire execution of counters, your resources will also deepen. Chinto's lessons prepare you for broadening awareness. Practice lots and enjoy!
Bushi Matsumura 1797-1889
OPENING
Heels and toes together, hands by side
Fists crossed, shoulder height, knuckles facing north, right fist on inside.
Fists move down to solar plexus height whilst opening left hand in to a knifehand and covering right fist.
Continue movement with left hand covering right fist, as you bow with fists in front of groin.
Straighten and separate toes to a 45 degree angle.
1. Look 45 degrees to the NW as you sink weight to right leg.
2. Bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face as you step out into left cat stance facing NW (right fist stays covering groin area).
3. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
4. As you rotate hands in a clockwise direction around the palm heels in a grabbing motion, pull back to the right side and execute a left hammerfist, right reverse punch as you sink into a left front stance.
5. Pivot 180 degrees into sumo stance facing SE right leg forward, Double block (right lower block, left high outer block).
6. Pivot 360 degrees on right leg into sumo stance left leg forward facing NW, left lower block.
7. Pull left foot back into left cat stance facing NW, as you bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face (right fist is on right hip, not covering groin as in first move of the kata).
8. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
9. Perform a jumping double front kick by first taking a small step with the left foot, and jumping from that foot to perform a jumping right front kick and a jumping left front kick, before landing left leg forward in left one legged kneeling stance and executing a lower X-Block.
10. Bring weight back to right leg as you stand and pivot anticlockwise to the SE, stepping through with the left leg to the SE into left one-legged kneeling stance, whilst executing a lower X-Block.
11. Pivot 180 degrees into right front stance facing the NW as you execute midsection Right front punch.
12. Step forward into left front stance and execute a left lunch punch (NW).
13. Twist into a right reverse high elbow strike into left palm (NW).
14. Sit weight back onto right leg as you execute a pulling/throwing motion down to the right (SE).
15. Execute a right inner crescent kick to the NW and, as you complete the kick, a circular horizontal double knife hand strike (outer right hand, inner left hand).
16. Quickly, lift the right leg and follow with a Double downward knife hand strike to the NW into front stance.
17. Pivot into a sumo stance facing SW briefly as you slap down on your thighs before facing SE in a crane stance (left foot behind right knee), double block (left lower block, right high outer block).
18. Step forward SE into left front stance and execute simultaneous double mid-section punch.
19. Step forward into right front stance and execute double block (left outer block, right lower block), bearing in mind that this is more likely a breaking action than a block.
20. Step forward into left front stance and execute left lunge punch.
21. Step with the left leg before taking a crane stance facing SW with the right foot behind the left knee.
22. Step forward SW into right front stance and execute simultaneous double mid-section punch.
23. Step forward into left front stance and execute double block (right outer block, left lower block), bearing in mind that this is more likely a breaking action than a block.
24. Step forward into right front stance and execute right lunge punch.
25. Pivot into Sumo stance facing SE with fists on hips
26. Shrug forward
27. Shrug back
28. Execute simultaneous low section double punch.
29. Pivot 180 degrees backwards, clockwise on left leg, to face NW in cross-legged stance, right leg behind left whilst executing lower back fist strike.
30. Execute right front kick to the NW with fists on hips.
31. Place right foot down and turn 180 degrees anticlockwise into cross-legged stance with left leg behind the right facing SE as you execute a low section left back fist strike.
32. Bring both fists to hips as you execute a left front kick to the SE.
33. Drop left leg into left cat stance still facing SE as you bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face.
34. Execute a right hammerfist/forearm strike onto left palm (SE).
35. Execute simultaneous right punch and right front kick as you bring left fist back to hip.
36. Bring right foot to ground in right one-legged kneeling stance facing SE as you execute a lower downward left reverse punch. KIAI!!!
37. Turn 180 degrees to the NW as you rise into left cat stance and bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face.
38. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
CLOSING
Step left foot back to right foot, facing north, fists crossed, shoulder height, thumbs facing in, right fist on inside, feet together.
Fists move down to solar plexus height whilst opening left hand in to a knifehand and covering right fist.
Continue movement with left hand covering right fist, as you bow with fists in front of groin.
Return to upright position and separate toes to a 45 degree angle.
Heels and toes together, hands by side
Fists crossed, shoulder height, knuckles facing north, right fist on inside.
Fists move down to solar plexus height whilst opening left hand in to a knifehand and covering right fist.
Continue movement with left hand covering right fist, as you bow with fists in front of groin.
Straighten and separate toes to a 45 degree angle.
1. Look 45 degrees to the NW as you sink weight to right leg.
2. Bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face as you step out into left cat stance facing NW (right fist stays covering groin area).
3. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
4. As you rotate hands in a clockwise direction around the palm heels in a grabbing motion, pull back to the right side and execute a left hammerfist, right reverse punch as you sink into a left front stance.
5. Pivot 180 degrees into sumo stance facing SE right leg forward, Double block (right lower block, left high outer block).
6. Pivot 360 degrees on right leg into sumo stance left leg forward facing NW, left lower block.
7. Pull left foot back into left cat stance facing NW, as you bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face (right fist is on right hip, not covering groin as in first move of the kata).
8. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
9. Perform a jumping double front kick by first taking a small step with the left foot, and jumping from that foot to perform a jumping right front kick and a jumping left front kick, before landing left leg forward in left one legged kneeling stance and executing a lower X-Block.
10. Bring weight back to right leg as you stand and pivot anticlockwise to the SE, stepping through with the left leg to the SE into left one-legged kneeling stance, whilst executing a lower X-Block.
11. Pivot 180 degrees into right front stance facing the NW as you execute midsection Right front punch.
12. Step forward into left front stance and execute a left lunch punch (NW).
13. Twist into a right reverse high elbow strike into left palm (NW).
14. Sit weight back onto right leg as you execute a pulling/throwing motion down to the right (SE).
15. Execute a right inner crescent kick to the NW and, as you complete the kick, a circular horizontal double knife hand strike (outer right hand, inner left hand).
16. Quickly, lift the right leg and follow with a Double downward knife hand strike to the NW into front stance.
17. Pivot into a sumo stance facing SW briefly as you slap down on your thighs before facing SE in a crane stance (left foot behind right knee), double block (left lower block, right high outer block).
18. Step forward SE into left front stance and execute simultaneous double mid-section punch.
19. Step forward into right front stance and execute double block (left outer block, right lower block), bearing in mind that this is more likely a breaking action than a block.
20. Step forward into left front stance and execute left lunge punch.
21. Step with the left leg before taking a crane stance facing SW with the right foot behind the left knee.
22. Step forward SW into right front stance and execute simultaneous double mid-section punch.
23. Step forward into left front stance and execute double block (right outer block, left lower block), bearing in mind that this is more likely a breaking action than a block.
24. Step forward into right front stance and execute right lunge punch.
25. Pivot into Sumo stance facing SE with fists on hips
26. Shrug forward
27. Shrug back
28. Execute simultaneous low section double punch.
29. Pivot 180 degrees backwards, clockwise on left leg, to face NW in cross-legged stance, right leg behind left whilst executing lower back fist strike.
30. Execute right front kick to the NW with fists on hips.
31. Place right foot down and turn 180 degrees anticlockwise into cross-legged stance with left leg behind the right facing SE as you execute a low section left back fist strike.
32. Bring both fists to hips as you execute a left front kick to the SE.
33. Drop left leg into left cat stance still facing SE as you bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face.
34. Execute a right hammerfist/forearm strike onto left palm (SE).
35. Execute simultaneous right punch and right front kick as you bring left fist back to hip.
36. Bring right foot to ground in right one-legged kneeling stance facing SE as you execute a lower downward left reverse punch. KIAI!!!
37. Turn 180 degrees to the NW as you rise into left cat stance and bring left knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish in front of your face.
38. Bring right knife hand around in an anticlockwise direction to finish with the little finger side of the wrist touching the thumb side wrist of the left hand in an X position, thumbs facing towards you.
CLOSING
Step left foot back to right foot, facing north, fists crossed, shoulder height, thumbs facing in, right fist on inside, feet together.
Fists move down to solar plexus height whilst opening left hand in to a knifehand and covering right fist.
Continue movement with left hand covering right fist, as you bow with fists in front of groin.
Return to upright position and separate toes to a 45 degree angle.