CHINTO
	A legend tells of a Chinese sailor named Chinto, shipwrecked on Okinawa by a terrible storm. He hid in caves near the beach and stole food at night to survive. Villagers complained and so they sent master Bushi Matsumura out to take care of the problem. When comfronted, Chinto blocked all of Matsumura's techniques, then ran away. Later, Matsumura found him hiding in a cemetery and befriended him. Matsumura helped the sailor by providing him with food and conceiling him in exchange for the sailor teaching him his techniques. Chinto techniques are thought to be from a Chinese system called Chunan Fa (Kempo). It was a popular system taught along the southeastern coast of China at the time.
		Wether the legend of Chinto is true or not, facts seem to bear out that Matsumura formulated the moves of the modern kata known as Chinto. The kata was taught to Shimabuku by Chotoku Kyan. Master Kyan was a student of Matsumura.      Chinto is usually the fifth kata taught in Isshinryu. The kata introduces many new concepts to the student. Chinto's trademark is the Chinto pivot. This technique is used throughout the kata and offers a distinctive advantage. With one quick snapping move your body is rotated 180 degrees. This takes away the target from your opponent and simultaneously protects the lower extremities by closing the legs on the groin area and bracing one leg against the other to reinforce the knees. It's obvious to see why Matsumura had such a hard time fighting the sailor named Chinto.
		Chinto introduces a double flying straight front kick. This technique is designed to cover distance while striking your opponent with 2 kicking techniques. The student is introduced to rapid changes of stance which require excellent footwork and balance. The Chinto pivot is used to close the distance to your opponent or to create space between you and your opponent depending on whether the pivot is done forward or backward. Chinto is performed on a straight line. This line is 45 degrees to the left of the starting position. The entire kata is performed moving forward and backward on this line. The student gains mobility, and balance along with superior technique while working on Chinto. This is an excellent kata for tournament competition.
				Back to Katas
						HOMEPAGE