Before being renamed 鉄騎 (Tekki) by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei these karate kata were originally referred to as either: (a) 内歩進 read ‘Naihanchi‘ (ナイハンチ); (b) 内畔戦 read ‘Naihanchin’ (ナイハンチン); or (c) 内範置 read ‘Naihanchen‘ (ナイハンチェン).
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Firstly, our Shotokan 鉄騎 (TEKKI): ‘Iron Knight’. Referring to the stance, posture and sophistication of skill.
Secondly, 内歩進 (Naihanchi): ‘Inside Stepping Forward’. Referring to the footwork tactics.
Thirdly, 内畔戦 (Naihanchin): ‘Inside Ridge Battle’. Referring to the in-fighting techniques within the kata.
Fourthly, 内範置 (Naihanchen): ‘Inside Range Set’. Referring to the close-range two person sets/drills.
Funakoshi Gichin Sensei began his karate with Naifanchi, later renaming them 'Tekki'.  |
| Motobu Choki Sensei only practiced one kata, and that was Naifanchi. |
Irrespective of Ryuha, naming, and rendition practiced, all of the names offer important technical insights into these classical kata.
Needless to say, the original version utilized ナイハンチ立ち (Naihanchi-dachi) whilst our Shotokan-Ryu employs騎馬立ち (Kiba-dachi). Regardless of stance, the kata practices numerous close-range/in-fighting self-defense application. This harmoniously mixes percussive blows and grappling.
The purpose of adopting the Kiba-dachi was to better train the core training objective of the kata: the tanden. In this regard, these kata are the equivalent of 三戦 (Sanchin) in the Naha-Te systems. Furthermore, the Kiba-dachi increases stability and develops both leg strength and flexibility.
Whilst these kata all have a linear enbusen—moving side to side—the techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle. I particularly like the joint locks and strangulation techniques featured, which can be readily applied Ina fight: after applying an 入口技 (Iriguchiwaza).
It is said that Matsumura Sokon Sensei learned the original form from a Chinese master living in Tomari. Later Matsumura taught it to Itosu Anko Sensei.
After are three versions of the kata arose: Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. It is said by some that Nidan and Sandan were developed by Itosu Anko Sensei, however, others claim that “…the three together constitute the original form”. Considering that only Shodan has a formal opening ‘kamae’ suggests that the kata may have been devided into three. Nevertheless, all of these are merely theories with no conclusive evidence.
In old school Shuri-Te, this kata was ‘the first form learned’ and, often considered, ‘the most important’. The same can be said of Sanchin in the Naha-Te systems: especially Goju and Uchi Ryu. Motobu Choki Sensei exclusively practiced it; moreover, claimed it to be a complete fighting style/system in itself. This is consistent with my aforementioned comments on 応用 (Oyo)—‘applications’.
Needless to say, the original version utilized ナイハンチ立ち (Naihanchi-dachi) whilst our Shotokan-Ryu employs騎馬立ち (Kiba-dachi). Regardless of stance, the kata practices numerous close-range/in-fighting self-defense application. This harmoniously mixes percussive blows and grappling.
The purpose of adopting the Kiba-dachi was to better train the core training objective of the kata: the tanden. In this regard, these kata are the equivalent of 三戦 (Sanchin) in the Naha-Te systems. Furthermore, the Kiba-dachi increases stability and develops both leg strength and flexibility.
Whilst these kata all have a linear enbusen—moving side to side—the techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle. I particularly like the joint locks and strangulation techniques featured, which can be readily applied Ina fight: after applying an 入口技 (Iriguchiwaza).
It is said that Matsumura Sokon Sensei learned the original form from a Chinese master living in Tomari. Later Matsumura taught it to Itosu Anko Sensei.
After are three versions of the kata arose: Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. It is said by some that Nidan and Sandan were developed by Itosu Anko Sensei, however, others claim that “…the three together constitute the original form”. Considering that only Shodan has a formal opening ‘kamae’ suggests that the kata may have been devided into three. Nevertheless, all of these are merely theories with no conclusive evidence.
In old school Shuri-Te, this kata was ‘the first form learned’ and, often considered, ‘the most important’. The same can be said of Sanchin in the Naha-Te systems: especially Goju and Uchi Ryu. Motobu Choki Sensei exclusively practiced it; moreover, claimed it to be a complete fighting style/system in itself. This is consistent with my aforementioned comments on 応用 (Oyo)—‘applications’.
On a personal note, my late teacher, Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei favored three kata in the 26 standard Shotokan formal exercises: 二十四歩 (Nijushiho), 燕飛 (Enpi) and, yes, 鉄騎 (Tekki Nidan).
押忍!!
アンドレ
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| Practicing Tekki Nidan during my daily self-training. November 6th, 2025. |
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan
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