John Titchen

Pinan Flow System: Heian - Pinan Sandan: Karate Kata Application for Beginner to Black Belt John Titchen

Publisher Marketing: This book, the second in a four volume series, examines the third Pinan / Heian kata. With practical application drills based on both the study of the reactions of students to common forms of aggression and violence in high pressure scenario simulations, and years of research into violent crime, it contains a detailed analysis of the attributes that make techniques effective, along with a discussion of the case for grappling in karate, and a look at some of the myths surrounding the purpose and application of kata. Volume Two approaches the kata by looking at the common factors that unite effective combative approaches rather than focusing on minor stylistic differences, and as a result provides applications and training drills suitable for everyone, regardless of style or grade. The clearly illustrated application drills teach karateka how to close and create distance while moving freely between the kata's ballistic and grappling techniques. The Pinan Flow System refers to the ability to train karateka to flow seamlessly between ballistic and grappling responses using techniques and tactics embedded in the kata, and illustrates why the Pinan / Heian set, practiced by so many karateka, are an important and misunderstood part of the legacy of Okinawan karate to modern martial artists. Far from being simply kata for beginners, they reflect the distillation of the knowledge and tactics of the father of modern karate, and are an essential training tool and technical manual for beginner and black belt alike.