Uechi Ryu Sanchin Testing - Okikukai Dan Test

Uechi Ryu Sanchin kata with muscle testing or shime at my Dan test. This was a test of the North East branch of the Okinanwan Karate-do Association. Chip Quimby-sensei bringing the hurt. This exercise is designed to help a martial artist develop their kinetic chain and practice armoring the body by turning on the musclesover vulnerable areas. There is also a mental component because the uechi-ka must maintain focus while experiencing adversity.
Andrew O'Brien is a traditional martial arts enthusiast trapped in Boston. He is growing more and more allergic to all bullsh*t but his own. Andrew's experience runs the gamut of contexts across multiple styles, and he has trained with world renowned martial artists and leaders in the self defense field. In addition to being a career martial artist, Andrew is an educator in academic, martial, and life coaching contexts. In pursuit of martial excellence, Andrew has dragged his family into weirder and weirder health practices like dieting for health, turning off indoor lights after dark, and watching the sunrise every morning. On his channel, he posts videos to take your martial arts and health to the next level.
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[@searching4fish931]

I have a strong feeling you were sore after this test…

[@andrewobrienkarate]

No! ....Yes.

[@MidlandsJJ]

Why is the kimono top off?

[@andrewobrienkarate]

For this test at the Dan level, candidates are supposed to remove their gi top so the instructor can see their muscles and structure better.

[@deadtoadsoup]

@@andrewobrienkarate At least until they reach 30 years old and get a beer belly. Actually, it was mostly so one could see if the student was doing proper Sanchin breathing; but, since you don't do Sanchin breathing, you should start working on that beer belly.

[@andrewobrienkarate]

@@deadtoadsoup Got it. I'll try to fatten up. What would need to be seen that couldn't be heard with proper Sanchin breathing?

[@toothless-tiger]

Watching this test makes me so happy I chose to study Matsubayashi Ryu!!!

[@andrewobrienkarate]

🤣🤣🤣 I honestly think sensei was going easy on me.

[@blackdog7275]

🤣😂

[@deadtoadsoup]

Striking the inside of the arms and legs is not how one properly tests... But, it is a good way to send blood clots to the heart.

[@andrewobrienkarate]

I watched a video with Mattson-sensei in which he said all testing was originally gentle. Just taps and pushes. I'm cool with that.

[@deadtoadsoup]

@@andrewobrienkarate exactly. The tester can tell more by gently testing. The inside of the arms and legs should not be conditioned or tested hard. It's about learning to relax while Sanchin breathing. It's a form of mindfulness or meditation getting back to the 3 conflicts; mind, body and spirit.