Saifa Shito Ryu (kata) video
Info about "Saifa Shito Ryu (kata) video"
The Saifa kata has been introduced by Kanryo Higaonna from China, although some claims have stated that Chojun Miyagi (Goju Ryu) may have introduced it.
“Saifa” can be translated as, ‘Smash and Tear’, i.e. to Rend. The folding techniques contained in the kata reflect the name with its joint manipulations used to smash bone and tear muscle. The main visual difference between the Okinawan and Japanese performance is in how the descending hammer fist strike is performed. In the Okinawan version this strike is performed to the side standing in a parallel stance, with the Japanese version, the hammer fist strike is to the front standing. Both methods are correct. Striking to the side is a training method to develop the required relaxed circular movement in the shoulder joint to develop whipping power. Striking to the front shows a specific variation of a practical fighting application
Key principles developed are folding, grounding and whipping. Folding is collapsing the joints i.e. wrist, elbow and shoulder enabling the limb to be controlled. Saifa uses efficient leverage principles by employing the elbows to bend and lead the opponents arm prior to a dislocation, lock, break, throw etc. Grounding is where the body is aligned so that when the body weight is dropped the feet press against the ground and then the force rebounds back along the same path to amplify the technique. Correct posture and a firm lower abdomen are required.
Whipping requires shoulder, elbow and wrist to be relaxed in a pliable and firm way. Rib power is required, not bicep and shoulder strength. An example of whipping is the use of a back fist as demonstrated in the opening sequence. As the fist extends outward toward the end of its range, the elbow is pulled back and down, the wrist being relaxed ‘whips’, because of the sudden acceleration.
[From www.gojukarate.co.uk. Original page is here]