Sanchin-Dai Kata – Learn For Free Lesson Two: Suparunpei: The Mandala # 1 Module

  Sanchin-Dai embodies the principle characteristics and components of each of the three individual kata that make up the Sacred Trinity. The Sanchin-Dai Kata utilizes the Sacred Trinity in the following order: Seienchin Kata, Suparunpei Kata (mandala section) and Sanchin Kata (last three steps). It is therefore a condensed version of the three kata.

Esoteric Sanchin-dai Kata begins with the esoteric path of Seienchin Kata. If you know Seienchin Kata, then you begin with the first three side stance movements of Seienchin. If you do not know Seienchin Kata, you can learn these three movements using this convenient link: Module 1: Seienchin – The “Path”:  https://senseijohn.me/2024/01/03/sanchin-dai-kata-learn-for-free-lesson-one-seienchin-the-path-module/

  The middle section of Sanchin-dai Kata utilizes the mandala section of Suparunpei Kata. In Suparunpei Kata (Pechurin Kata in the native language of Okinawa), there are three overt mandala and one covert mandala. To facilitate your ease of learning my Sanchin-dai Kata, I have two formats of the Kata. The first version incorporates one mandala from Suparunpei. This is the introductory version. It’s purpose is to allow you to begin performing Sanchin-Dai Kata each and every day as soon as possible. You then have a solid foundation to build upon and add the next two mandala. 

Now, let’s turn to the mechanics of incorporating the first mandala of Suparunpei Kata into your Sanchin-dai Kata. Using the video below, you can see that the mandala is connected to the path of Seienchin Kata by a simple transition movement, also from Suparunpei Kata, The mandala is composed to two performances of mawashi-uke (roundhouse block) derived not only from Suparunpei Kata, but is found within many Kata, including the seminole Katie – Sanchin Kata. The two mawashi-uke are then performed in each direction of the compass, in a prescribed order. Thus the overall movement is performed four times. 

One last point as to the mandala of Suparunpei Kata, and by reference, my Sanchin-dai Kata. This is an introductory “How-to” article. It is one small step towards the “Mandala rabbit hole.”  The mandala are very powerful aspects of both Kata. They are imbued with profound esoteric energy which is merged with your own Kime (energy) of the Kata performance. In fact, the mandala should be performed according to very specific, esoterically charged directions. Let me give you a hint – Although the video references a “North-facing” starting point, from a esoteric standpoint, Sanchin-dai is best performed while facing East so as to properly align the mandala. For that matter, Suparunpei Kata, from which the mandala where taken, is also best to perform by starting facing the East. Yeah, it is that specific. These discussions are beyond the ken of this “How-to” article. Until then, I remain,

Cum superiorum privilegio veniaque *

Sensei John Szmitkowski

  * (with the privilege and permission of the superiors)

Here is a video of Suparunpei in a beautiful Cape Cod, MA setting: