Pinan Sandan
Kata, the structured forms in Wado-Ryu Karate, serve as the foundation for developing both physical
technique and mental discipline. Each kata is a meticulously crafted sequence of movements that
embodies the principles, strategies, and spirit of Wado-Ryu. These forms teach practitioners to
combine strikes, blocks, stances, and footwork into a flowing, dynamic series of techniques,
simulating combat against multiple opponents.
Pinan Sandan (Japanese: ピナン三段) is the third kata in the Pinan series of Wado-Ryu Karate, and it
introduces more complex techniques, including dynamic changes in direction and a greater focus on
balance and coordination. Developed by Master Hironori Otsuka, Pinan Sandan emphasizes the use of
both linear and circular movements, combining effective blocking techniques with counterattacks. The
kata also introduces the practitioner to techniques involving simultaneous block-and-strike
maneuvers, encouraging fluidity in transitions between offense and defense. Mastery of Pinan Sandan
helps students refine their footwork, body alignment, and timing, making it a critical stage in the
progression toward more advanced katas in Wado-Ryu Karate.
The Pinan Sandan is a 15-movement kata that combines the basic techniques of the Pinan series with
the
more advanced techniques of the Kushanku series. It is designed to teach students the fundamental
principles of Wado-Ryu and its evolution.
The Pinan series, which includes the Pinan Nidan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, and Pinan
Godan, is
the most basic form of Wado-Ryu kata. These movements are designed to teach students the basic
principles of Wado-Ryu and to help them develop their physical strength, agility, and endurance.
Pinan Sandan
From masuba dachi (attention stance), rei (bow), then open to hachiji dachi (ready stance).
Drop your weight as you turn the hips 90 degrees to your left, setting into a left shomen neko
ashi dachi (left front-facing cat stance) while doing a left soto uke (left middle block) (the
right hand is pulled back in hikite).
Step your right foot to your left foot into a heisoku dachi as you relax your left arm back
across your upper chest and your right arm across your lower body, then throw a right soto uke
(right middle block) and a left gedan uke (left low block) simultaneously.
Let your right arm relax back across your upper chest and your left arm across your lower body,
then throw a left soto uke (left middle block) and a right gedan uke (right low block)
simultaneously.
Drop your weight as you turn the hips 180 degrees to your right, setting into a right shomen
neko ashi dachi (right front-facing cat stance) while doing a right soto uke (right middle
block) (the left hand is pulled back in hikite).
Step your left foot to your right foot into a heisoku dachi as you relax your right arm back
across your upper chest and your left arm across your lower body, then throw a left soto uke
(left middle block) and a right gedan uke (right low block) simultaneously.
Let your left arm relax back across your upper chest and your right arm across your lower body,
then throw a right soto uke (right middle block) and a left gedan uke (left low block)
simultaneously.
Drop your weight as you turn the hips 90 degrees to your left, setting into a left shomen neko
ashi dachi (left front-facing cat stance) while doing a left soto uke (left middle block) (the
right hand is pulled back in hikite).
Step forward with your right foot into a right junzuki dachi (right front stance) and throw a
right yohon nukite (right four-finger spear hand) to the solar plexus level (the left hand is
pulled back in hikite).
Set your left foot over slightly and turn your body 180 degrees to your left into a junzuki no
tsukomi dachi (left lunge stance). As you turn, let the right arm fall so it ends extended palm
up, centered on the buttocks.
Pull your left foot back behind you, turning your body 90 degrees to the left into a shiko dachi
(four-point stance), throwing a gedan uke (low block) straight to your left and pulling your
right arm into hikite position as you look to your left.
Step forward with your right foot into a right junzuki dachi (right front stance) and throw a
right junzuki (right front punch) to the solar plexus level (the left hand is pulled back in
hikite).
Pivot on your right foot and turn your body to your left 180 degrees as you pull your left foot
to your right into masuba dachi (attention stance). As you turn, let your fists move to belt
level on the sides of your body, finishing with knuckles on your belt, palm facing to the rear,
with your elbows slightly out.
As you set your right foot forward (in line with your left foot), let your right fist roll
toward the floor and back on the little finger (ending up as low hikite on your belt). Pivot
both feet and twist your body to your left 90 degrees into a shiko dachi (four-point stance),
then throw a right gedan uke (right low block).
Pivot on the balls of both feet, turning your body 90 degrees to your right, and let your left
fist roll toward the floor and back on the little finger. Step forward with your left foot,
pivot both feet and twist into a shiko dachi (four-point stance), and throw a left gedan uke
(left low block).
Pivot on the balls of both feet, turning your body 90 degrees to your left, and let your right
fist roll toward the floor. Step forward with your right foot and pivot into a shiko dachi
(four-point stance), then throw a right gedan uke (right low block).
Moving right, step with your left foot into a left junzuki dachi (left front stance) and throw a
left junzuki (left front punch).
Step your right foot up, shoulder-width apart. Pivot 180 degrees to your left, setting into
shiko dachi (four-point stance), pulling your right foot in toward your left foot into a wide
ready stance (hachiji dachi), throwing a punch over your left shoulder.
Set your right foot to your right into shiko dachi (four-point stance), pull your left foot in
toward your right foot into a wide ready stance (hachiji dachi), throwing a punch over your
right shoulder.
Pull the right foot into a normal hachiji dachi (ready stance) and let your arms relax to your
sides.
Close into masuba dachi (attention stance), then bow (rei).