There are many aspects to each of the component Kata of the Sacred Trinity. So much so that choosing one aspect of each Kata to incorporate into the Sanchin-Dai Kata was not an easy process. First, I had to decide the esoteric objective of Sanchin-Dai. The next step was to find the components of the underlying Sacred Trinity Kata that would build to a crescendo whereby that objective was met. So far, I am satisfied with the results. Bear in mind; however, that any Kata process is always evolving. What is satisfying today is potentially lacking tomorrow. Now, let us turn to your learning my Sanchin-Dai Kata.
Seienchin Kata has many esoteric attributes. The one I chose for my Sanchin-Dai Kata is the “Path” of Seienchin. (See endnote # 1 for another important martial and esoteric attribute). This path serves both a martial and esoteric purpose. The path is best described by the translation of Seienchin that is, “To walk far to quell and conquer.” The path of Seienchin is embodied in the three opening side stance movements of the Kata.
The Path that requires you to 1: walk far, 2: quell, and 3: conquer, squarely fits within the goals of Esoteric Kata. It symbolizes the start of the esoteric path. Such a path is long, even arduous. The difficulties of the path are manifested within this section of Seienchin Kata. Seienchin relies heavily on the side stance. This stance makes use of the muscles of the legs and thighs. It symbolizes the overcoming of discomforts that one will find on the esoteric path. This stance also grounds the practitioner to the Earth. This is of great esoteric importance. I will have more on this in future articles.
If you know Seienchin Kata, then you can use the first three side stance movements to begin your Sanchin-Dai Kata. You can then progress to add the transition move shown in the video and then the full Suparunpei mandala module. If you do not know Seienchin Kata, you can use this video as a resource to learn the three moves.
A brief word about the Seienchin kata shown in the video. As with all kata, Seienchin kata is subject to stylistic and interpretive variations. Naturally, this is also true of the version presented herein. This version is the one that I learned in or around 1976 and is found in the Goshin-Do Karate style founded by Hanshi Frank Van Lenten and taught to me under the stewardship of Shihan Thomas DeFelice. In the event that this forma does not suit your needs you can search online for other variations that fill your personal needs. (See endnote # 2 for a full version of Seienchin Kata amongst the wild horse herd of Tonto National Forest, Arizona).
When you are comfortable with the movements of the Seienchin module, you can then proceed to add in the next two modules of the Sanchin-Dai Kata. After learning the full Kata, you can then add in the aspects of prayer (via “internal chanting”) and sacrifice. Until then, may you continue to “Walk far to quell and conquer.”
Cum superiorum privilegio veniaque *
Sensei John Szmitkowski
*(with the privilege and permission of the superiors)
Endnotes:
1. Another important martial and esoteric attribute of Seienchin Kata is that of balancing or harmonizing opposites. This is symbolized by the meaning, “Calm in the storm / storm in the calm.” In so far as the martial and esoteric applications are at least superficially apparent, I will not discuss them here. Suffice to say that such a discussion is quite a large conversation and is beyond the ken of this article.
2 .
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Esoteric Kata 
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