Hidden Techniques in Naifanchi 2nd Dan (Naihanchi)

Hidden Techniques in Naifanchi 2nd Dan

The initial movements of Naifanchi 2nd Dan are as follows:

1. With both hands, raise them from a height around the solar plexus to chest height, as if lifting something. The raised arms should be kept parallel to the floor with the elbows elevated.
2. Turn to the right, step the right foot out to the side, and position the right hand in a "tazuna" (bridle guard) shape, as if pulling the reins of a horse while riding. The left hand performs a hook punch from left to right, akin to a key strike.
3. Face forward, step the left foot from the front of the right foot to the right, crossing the legs. Return the right hand to the centerline of your body and open the left hand, palm facing downward. Place the elbow of the right arm on the back of the left hand.
4. Step the right foot to the right, perform an outward block with the right hand, and execute a hook punch with the left hand.

The meaning of these movements, which I have asked several Karate instructors about, has not been clearly answered by anyone. In reality, these movements are a continuation of techniques from Naifanchi Shodan (1st Dan) and have continuity from the final double-hand strike of Naifanchi Shodan. An opponent struck with a double-hand punch might recoil slightly or bend forward due to a hook to the abdomen.

 

In response, you would perform a punch from above, as if a gorilla were striking down with both hands. Then, capture the opponent with both hands, lift them up, and grab the collar of their neck with your right hand, pulling it from right to left. Strike the pulled head with a back fist from left to right with your right hand. (*1)

This is the true meaning behind the four movements described above.

 

In the next movement,

 

5. Open the left hand and make a fist with the right hand, raising it from the lower left to the upper right. The right hand performs an outward block at a slightly higher position.
6. Lift the knee of the right leg and perform a stomping motion while simultaneously lowering the right hand and the left hand supporting it to the right hip, bending forward.
7. Open the right hand to perform an outward block against an attack from the right, and execute a key strike from left to right with the left hand.

 

This part is straightforward, but as a continuation of (*1), since the opponent is falling, you would turn your body counterclockwise while lowering it, pulling the opponent from behind your right shoulder to in front of you. Currently, the left foot should be on the floor with the knee down, and the right foot should be in a stance with the knee raised.

by Aki Nakada