Chinto
Chinto (城間のチントウ, Gusukuma no Chinto) is a kata trained in Genseiryu and must be performed for the 2nd dan examination (adults only).
Genseiryu Karate-do Kyohan 2[edit]
- Translated to English and included here with explicit permission from Kunihiko Tosa.
- This text and image is protected under copyright.
This kata was handed down most commonly under the name of Gusukuma no Chinto by master Shinpan Gusukuma who is famous for having been the first student of Master Anko Itosu (1832-1915).
I learned this kata from Master Hiroyasu Tamae, who at that time was the first chairman of the Genseiryu Butokukai. Now Master Tamae is the first senior director of the Japan Karate-do Federation.
I intend to hand down this kata as well as basic kata Taikyoku and Heian to future generations by teaching them as part of our school's curriculum.
"Since long time ago, it is said that Chinto was created by an unknown master. This kata belongs to the old katas and has remained in the Tomari area until now. The total performance time of this kata is relatively long. It is characterized by techniques of attacking and blocking with both hands at the same time, kicks and right foot Nidan-geri from Jigo-tai or Zenkutsu-dachi, and the movements in a diagonal line." --- Shoshin Nagamine, "Okinawa no Karate-do", Shinjinbutsu Ouraisha, 1975.
In the book "Karate-do Taikan", written by Ryusyou Sakagami, there is an article about the names and different kinds of kata. Chinto appears twice, first under styles from Itosu and second under styles from Matsumura. Itosu and Matsumura are the names of old masters. The explanation of Chinto in this book are as follows:
"Today, Chinto is being handed down in three different versions which are Tomari no Chinto, Can no Chinto and Itosu no Chinto. Each version is characterized by the movement on a straight line; with Tomari on a line to both right and left sides, with Can on a diagonal line, and with Itosu on a line lengthwise. As for Chinto this book focuses on Itosu no Chinto. This kata was improved and simplified by Master Itosu by using techniques from the Tomari area. Striking techniques are blocking with both hands, Nidan-geri and doujiukegeri in the heron's foot stance."
Judging from the line on which we move, I believe that the Chinto which I learned derives from Itosu. But I can see obvious differences between our Chinto and Itosu no Chinto. I.e. the way of standing, and the nuances of technical expression. I believe that we should not focus on these differences. It is important for us to leave them as they are.
The Japan Karate-do Federation has chosen the Chinto of the Wado-ryu style as the one to be specified. This Chinto also has the movements on a lengthwise line. Therefore I guess that this Chinto is derived from Itosu, too.
But, I have to add that I am only guessing. As far as the history of Chinto is concerned, nothing is written in the book "Karate-do", written by Hironori Otsuka, published in 1970.