Society for the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands

Sandan Kata (3rd Dan)

The requirement for the Sandan grading test is, proficiency with the Kata listed.

The student must have passed all previous levels, with no less than two years experience in present level. All previous level Kata must be known and can be asked. Grade testing may be done only by a certified instructor of this Association. The grade must register with this Association Headquarters in Okinawa, Japan and is also issued at the discretion of the Association. Certificates are issued by the Association Headquarters only, must be numbered and stamped with the Associations inkan (signature seal). Any other certificates issued in the name of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai are not recognized. All certified instructors are listed in the Officials page.

Key points

• Sandan is the lowest rank at which a practitioner can petition to become an instructor.
• It is also the lowest rank at which a teacher can petition for a Dojo license.
• As this grade represents the threshold for potential teaching continued demonstration of improvement in the quality of all techniques and Kata in the syllabus as well as the demonstration of the ability to pass that understanding on is vital.

The longer version of the Sakugawa form that is learned for Shodan Grading contains many interesting points including stance shifts, a block with the hand away from the body, and some grip changes.

Key points

• Ensure that your stance is shifting into a shiko dachi when transitioning from the shizendachi when performing the gedan barai.  This will help to ensure that the movement is done cleanly and with power.
• Remember that after the side strikes or yoko uchi the series is followed with a gedan barai instead of the upper block that is seen in the short form.
• Work on clean hand changes for both the long and short forms.

This is a long Kata and has several places where the transition is unique from other Sai Kata.

Key points

• After each ryoute uchi or head strike there is a change of direction.  Use those techniques as a mnemonic for what comes next.
• The Kata has an interesting strike near the end where the Sai are grasped by the central tong and the blunt end is used to attack the opponent's head.
• This same grip is used in the very next move where the side tangs of the Sai are used in a downward hooking motion.

This paragraph contains a brief description of the Kata

Key points

• This Kata has a front roll in it or mae ukemi 前受身.  As the roll needs to be performed with a hard shield and a short spear in your hands and on hardwood flooring it is best to become familiar with how to do a proper roll well before learning this Kata.
• This is also the first Kata where a weapon is thrown.  Be careful how you practice this technique as it is easy to leave divots in your dojo floor and get on the bad side of your teacher quite quickly. 

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