Tekki Shodan, originally known as Naihanchi, was the first kata to be
taught in the school systems before the introduction of Heian/Pinan kata. Tekki
loosely translates to "horse riding" whilst Naihanchi translates to "sideways
fighting". it is because of these loose translations that Tekki Shodan is often
referred to as "fighting in an alley" or "fighting on a boat". This is probably
a total misunderstanding, for time spent studying Tekki Shodan would reveal an effective
and efficient self defence system.
It is thought that Naihanchi kata was introduced by a skilled and effective fighter named Sokon Matsumura. Serving as a royal bodyguard, Matsumura was exposed to kempo and chinese fighting arts during official visits to China. His wealth of knowledge lead to the formation of the Okinawan art of Shuri-te.
Anko Itsou, a long time student of Matsumura, became a specialist of Naihanchi kata and developed the Nidan and Sandan versions whilst introducing karate into the school systems. As karate was now being taught to children Itsou would remove or disguise the more dangerous techniques. Karate taught to children therefore became blocking and striking drills.
Under the guidance of Itsou, Gichin Funakoshi spent three years studying each version of Naihanchi kata. It would therefore seem that these great past karate masters viewed the Naihanchi kata as highly important and effective. When Funakoshi introduced karate to mainland Japan he renamed Naihanchi to Tekki kata.
If we look a little deeper into Tekki Shodan we should find a dangerous but effective fighting system for use against the usual acts of violence found within a civilian environment. The sideways path that the kata follows is probably teaching us the angle we need to be in relation to our opponent for the methods and principles to become effective.
Just looking at the opening move would show that we need to move inside the aggressors effective striking range whilst covering with our arms against a possible strike (the step and preparation of the arms would indicate the natural flinch response). We could then strike the pressure points on the opponents thigh with our knee, and strike the opponents carotid sinus and vital points along the side of the neck with our hand or forearm. Also, consider bringing the thumb between the middle and index finger to protrude the knuckles during the strike, rather than hitting with just the flat of the hand. Remember Itsou disguised the more dangerous techniques!
Click here to learn more of the bunkai of Naihanchi/Tekki Shodan
