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Level of Difficulty: 3rd Kyu and Above - Green/Brown Belt
Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi Kumite is taught to the intermediate/advanced color belt Budoka after they have consolidated the techniques and material at the intermediate levels. Many Sensei place Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi in between the learning of Randori-Go and Randori-Ni. This has been the habit of Shinan Donivan of the Kentokukan School of Shorinjiryu. Nevertheless, Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi can appear anywhere after 4th Kyu and is detailed enough to also be appropriate for Shodan or Nidan level black belt study.
At this point in the syllabus, students should be comfortable with the exchange of many techniques between offensive and defensive partners and, in fact, Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi does a good job of pushing that envelope even further for the student with upwards of 15 distinct movement.
With the above in mind, the student should take a moment and reflect on the progress that they have made through the syllabus. In particular, the Gohono Kumites included only 5 moves (very basic) while Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi now includes approximately 15 (advanced). This is evidence of good progress and solid learning. Naturally, other important issues such as: cadence, timing, reflexes, posture, etc. have all improved each time a new Kumite has been learned. This is the cumulative effect of Kumite practice that can only be appreciated once the practitioner has been able to move through the series of exercises. So keep up the good work so that even more progress can be made in preparing for the Shodan (black belt) exam.
Within the larger syllabus, Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi Kumite is usually taught when the student is learning Happiken Kata or Naihanchin Ichi Kata. Also, the very large Sankakutobi Kata can be a complement to this Kumite but often is taught at the level immediately below this one. However, nothing is cast in stone and the determination of the appropriate kata depends both on the teacher's preference and the student's particular attributes. That's the individuality of the study. So don't get too hung up on what goes with what level, just try your best to master the material that your Sensei gives you as they know best and they have a holistic view of the syllabus which you as a student necessarily lack.
Like most of the Kumite, Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi Kumite builds on the lessons of the previous kumites and takes those lessons to the next level. It further emphasizes the light footed approach to Budo that is the hallmark of all Shorinjiryu schools including some very circular and quick movements. The Kumite introduces to the student the concept of stricking to the vulnerable areas as is evidenced by the opening moves where the defender simply displaces and strikes the offender just below the armpit either trying to dislocate the shoulder or fracture the ribs. Notice here how the defender lets the offender walk into the technique. In this fashion the force of the offender is turned back upon him.
The Kumite also introduces to the student the importance of shifting the hips for quick kicking as evidenced within the middle section of the kumite where the offender kicks first with the left front kick and then immediately following through with a right twist kick. This movement is somewhat subtle and should be explored thoroughly by the student. Lastly, the exchange between the players immediately following this double kick is very quickly executed with both sides introducing a slight shoulder and hip displacement. These techniques should demonstrate to the student the power and flexibility that displacements can have and that their proper use at the correct time can lead to the advantage quickly shifting from the offender to the defender. Please look closely at the Kumite for these movements. Moreover, ask your Sensei about this element in the Kumite. Also, the student should take note that the last offensive movement mimicks that of a sword cut. The downward chop slices across the body of the opponent as he leaps in the air and sucks in his stomach to avoid its force.
Below you see Shihan Henderson and Shihan York performing Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi Kumite including the proper entrance along with the proper bowing form. Notice that both the formal bow and fighting bow are performed. Also notice that there is an offensive and defensive side to the kumite, as with all kumites, and that the offensive side (Shihan York) moves forward while the defensive side (Shihan Henderson) moves back. At the end of the Kumite, the footing is reversed so that the players are positioned roughly in the same position from where they began. This is an important element in the correct performance of Kumite practice.
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Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi Kumite
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