“Iron Horseman”

“Iron Horseman” is the literal translation given to the term Tekki which is also known as Naihanchi or Naifanchi.

The reason why it is called so is that all the movements in the three Tekki kata, apart from the crossing of feet in kosapositon a few times, are performed in horse stance. A lateral straight line is the embusen for all Tekki kata which means there are hardly any stepping motions which are forward or backward. What makes this different is that this kata is performed with your back to the wall as you defend your attackers. A strong horse stance, sharp hip vibration and stealthy lateral movement are easily developed through this practice of Tekki. It is said that Sokon

What makes this different is that this kata is performed with your back to the wall as you defend your attackers. A strong horse stance, sharp hip vibration and stealthy lateral movement are easily developed through this practice of Tekki. It is said that Sokon Matsmumra had learned Tekki while on his vacations to China, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan were developed as a result of the effort of Yasutsune Itosu in the process of its modification and expansion.

Tekki Shodan

In the Tekki series, Tekki Shodan is known to be the first kata. It is also known to be the first kata that does not start in the traditional yoi position. This kata has 29 counts and is wholly performed in a horse stance. A simple straight line is referred to as Theembusen. The crossing step or kosa-ashi is used with all the footwork accomplished in a sideways manner, since this kata does not involve forward or backward movement.

The characteristic of all Tekki kata is the crossing step which is also known as stealth step (sashi-ashi). The haiwan-nagashi-uke/tate-uraken combo is another important trademark of the three Tekki kata. Kagi-zuki, morote-zuki and Ashi-namigaeshi which is known as the most effective technique that is seen only in this kata are the latest techniques that learned in T1.It is very important that the student understands the difference between hip rotation and hip vibration which seems to be similar but is two distinct concepts though a strong stance is essential in a proper kata performance. Head turns need to be stressed in this kata as they are of great importance although they are neglected. They have to be performed sharply though they are regarded as a single count of the kata.