Image from YMAA website) “Kris Wilder began his martial arts training in 1976 in the art of Tae Kwon Do, he has earned black belt-level ranks in three arts: Tae Kwon Do (2nd Degree), Kodokan Judo (1st Degree) and Goju-Ryu Karate (5th Degree), which he teaches at the West Seattle Karate Academy. He is a regular columnist for Traditional Karate Magazine.” Sanchin loosely translates as “three  battles” or “three conflicts”.  For the Goju Ryu Karate practitioner this has multiple meanings.  First it refers to the struggle that karataka can face when trying to control the body under physical fatigue or combat stress.  Often fatigue causes the mind to lose focus and thus the will to fight may diminish.  Therefore, regular practice of Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perseverance and other mental attributes that enhance fighting.   The Chinese refer to this as Shen (spirit), Shin (mind) and Li (body).  Another possible interpretation of Sanchin refers to the “Three Burners” of the body as described in Traditional Chinese Medicine. One of two “heishu ” Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in the Goju Ryu style. In contrast, most Goju Ryu stylists including Wilder, say it is probably the single most valuable kata in the style.  Like the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin ( Samm Chien in Chinese) has links to the Chinese arts–particularly the southern styles including four styles of Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Tiger Boxing, Lion Boxing, Dog or Ground Boxing and Monk Fist.  Sanchin contains such practices like deep breathing found in many internal arts, as well as external attributes like proper posture, body alignment, and the development of  mechanical muscular strength. Critics of Sanchin Kata–especially some hailing from the Traditional Chinese Martial Arts–will claim that practitioners of Sanchin have the wrong understanding of the true nature of the Chinese arts from which Okinawan Goju-Ryu sprang from. In fact, some critics claim that the Sanchin practiced today is nothing more than an isometric form practiced with dangerous tension and improper breathing techniques. Unlike other kata that catalog fighting techniques, Sanchin concentrates on the development of physical toughness and short-range power to enhance the lessons of the other kata in Goju Ryu Karate. This well-written book covers every aspect of this kata — from performance to fighting applications and the health benefits that can derived from its correct practice. Kris Wilder’s The Way of Sanchin is core reference book for any Goju Ryu stylist. In addition, those with in an interest in Chinese Martial Arts will also find the book enjoyable. -Bob Patterson