This is the final hand kata learned at our dojo. Some say this is the oldest Okinawan kata known. It comes to Isshin-ryu from Master Shimabuku's Goju-ryu training. Kanryo Higashionna, founder of Naha-Te, brought Sanchin from China to Okinawa. Higashionna taught the kata to Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-ryu, who in turn taught the kata to Tatsuo Shimabuku.
Master Shimabuku once stated he saw no direct fighting application for Sanchin kata—its exclusive purpose was to develop muscle tension and concious breathing. Though the shortest kata in terms of the number of moves, it can be one of the longest in terms of time due to the slow ibuki breathing and the controlled, precise muscle movements.
The name can be translated as "Three Conflicts" or "Three Battles," referring to the mind, body and spirit.