Originally posted by Geoff
I'm not near my library right now, but I thought I read that Naihanchi was originally the Chinese xing called "nei xie" (or something like that). The source, if I recall correctly, stated that it was brought to Okinawa and was "now" (whenever the quote was recorded) no longer practiced in China.
Naihanchi, to me, seems to feel kind of like Sanchin, Hangetsu, etc in that you are rooted solidly to the ground while making strong offensive and defensive applications. I don't think it is any surprise therefore to see that Naihanchi was a Fujian form and was originally a fundamental form like Sanchin and Hangetsu.
Naihanchi has been called the ShuriTe Sanchin. No dynamic breathing is done though. The position of the legs, almost pigeon-toed, mirrors the hourglass stance shape of Sanchin Dachi. The difference being one is one with the feet side-by-side with lateral movement (Naihanchi) and Sanchin is done from a walking position, with movement forward.
Placing your legs in such a manner gives one more power for rising techs. Watch when some guys shoot freethrows in the NBA. You'll notice they get their upward push from an almost pigeon-toed stance.
My sensei says that some Okinawan Shorin sensei liked to beat on the legs (thighs especially) and arms when their students perform Naihanchi. This is also done in Sanchin. It's also been said that Naihanchi use to be one kata, not 3. As for Pinan (Heian) and Naihanchi being similar, I don't see it. Where are the similarities? I think these 2 kata series teach different fighting principles.
Hangetsu and/or Seisan in some ShuriTe-based styles, may be a beginning form. In Matsumura Orthodox it is a Yudansha form. I think it may differ somewhat from the other versions. Regardless, all the forms you mentioned have something to teach. Unless of course, the form has been too altered, then many principles will be missed. An example is Shotokan's version of the Naihanch-Dachi. There isn't even a hint of the hourglass stance left in its execution. Your legs and feet should at the least have the "feel" of pigeon-toedness, or the concentration of outward pressure at the heals, lower thighs and knees. Firm rooting is a must. Tuite abounds in Naihanchi.
Bryan Cyr (pronounced "SEER")