There are vast differences in the way medicine is approached, diagnosis derived, and preferred treatment methods dependent on the country. These differences exist primarily because of cultural influence. For instance, in France diagnosis of stomach disorders often focuses on laying blame on the liver, whereas in the United States, typically the same symptoms would be diagnosed as a digestive disorder. In the U.S. a full hysterectomy is often recommended and performed, without giving thought to alternatives, whereas in other European countries this same procedure would be used only as a last result, if at all. (Medicine and Culture, Lynn Payer)

An entire book could be written on the cultural/medical differences and the impact it has on our perspective of maintaining good health. However, that is not the focus of this article. Suffice to say these cultural differences do exist and play a major role in our perspective of Martial Art health benefits or lack of. They also impact technical preference, training methods, theory, and philosophy. This article will attempt to explain Sanchin Kata from a United States medical perspective. It should be noted that most of the truths we cling so strongly to are merely a matter of our own perspective.

What is Sanchin? Is the practice of Sanchin harmful or beneficial to the Karateka? Is there some magic associated with the Ki or Chi energy that the practice of Sanchin is said to develop, or can we explain this phenomena? In
the summer of 1997 we set out to answer these questions, and to provide scientific proof of said answers.

Sanchin literally means three conflicts. These conflicts being that of the mind, body, and spirit. By being called three conflicts it is suggested that Sanchin is the answer to these conflicts, or at least a path to unification. Sanchin is both an isometric and isotonic exercise, by the nature of muscular tension and range of motion demonstrated in its performance. According to some Okinawan Martial Arts teachers the practice of Sanchin is necessary to the karateka in reaching his/her full potential. However, there are those who disagree and feel that the practice of Sanchin may be harmful to the practitioner and pose risk to the blood pressure, heart, and/or other internal functions of the body.

To perform the study we sought out professionals in the sports medicine field. We where able to enlist the help of Kevin Seufert , M.D., who specializes in sports medicine at the U.S. Navy S.M.A.R.T Center, (Sports
Medicine and Reconditioning Therapy) at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Ca. Dr. Seufert has had exposure to a multitude of sports related injuries. He has been a primary provider for patients from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. From working with young Marines at the SOI S.M.A.R.T Center, to seeing dependents and older retirees at the Sports Medicine Clinic, Navy Hospital Camp Pendleton, to his work with civilian organizations such as Palomar College and the Iron Man Triathlon. Dr. Seufert does not practice Martial Arts, thereby giving an unbiased opinion to the study.

After establishing that the practice of Sanchin is not physiologically harmful, the questions remain, what are the benefits? Are there any benefits at all? Sanchin does increase the heart rate, control the breathing, and stimulate muscular activity. These physical states are accepted positive states of physical health, but these benefits can also be found in many other proven activities. So what makes Sanchin special? In any type of competitive athletics, or even in combat, one will perform the way they train. Runners run, boxers spar, and Marines fight the way they train. For
this reason it would be wise to incorporate Sanchin practice into ones routine. Sanchin,s focus on breathing, muscular tension, self-control, physiological systems control, and the use of simple techniques used during
the practice of Sanchin contribute to a balanced martial artist and develop key attributes necessary in a self defense system.

But what about the claim that Sanchin develops Ki, or in Sensei Advincula's term, Chinkuchi? We do not have a way to measure this theory in western medicine, but consider an alternate theory. We do not have a clearly defined word for Ki, Chincuchi, or "life force in American medicine. American culture tends to view western medicine in scientific terminology, while Oriental medicine focuses on a way of life philosophy. The philosophy of oriental medicine focuses on all things in life gearing towards enlightenment and the extension of life versus the philosophy of western medicines attitude of preserving life and fixing what,s broken. One must admit that preventative medicine still takes a back seat to surgical procedure in our country, in many aspects, including prestige, compensation, and reality. When considering these differences between cultures, it is safe to assume we do have a word for Ki in western medicine, bioelectrical energy. This realization removes much of the world of martial arts out of the unknown and into proper perspective. There isn't any magic to what we are doing, it is scientifically sound, and can therefore be understood, developed and implemented by anyone willing to commit to the necessary discipline.

We don't understand everything. Life is about change and growth. I do believe it is reasonable to assume that while energy/Ki cannot be created or destroyed, (Newton-"The energy in the universe is constant, it can neither be created or destroyed), through the practice of Sanchin, it can be harnessed, controlled, and directed through practice. We are all part of nature, and everything from a human cell to a car battery redirects energy. Solar panels don't create energy, but they do harness and re-direct it. The practice of Sanchin can be viewed as a solar panel, by helping to harness, control, and re-direct our internal energy, Ki, or Chinkuchi.