Chinte - Extraordinary Hands
The name Chinte is Chinese in origin and is thought to be named after the unusual hand movements contained in this kata. This kata introduces several new techniques such as fudo-dachi (rooted stance), chudan-nakadaka-ippon-ken (middle level one knuckle strike), and jodan-age-nihon-nukite-zuki (upper level two finger spear hand strike). The two finger spear hand strike as well as the san-suri-ashi (three light hopping steps) which make up the last three moves in the kata, are what Chinte is most famous for. The three hopping steps are thought to be symbolic of waves crashing on the shoreline then retreating with the tide. This is a very complex kata and a student will find there is much to learn here. The ippon ken (one knuckle strike) and nihon-nukite-zuki (two finger spear hand strike) are unique and are not found in any other Shotokan kata.
This kata contains 33 movements and should take the student approximately 40 seconds to complete. The correct performance of this kata is required to advance in rank from Sho Dan (1st Dan) to Ni Dan (2nd Dan).
There are two kiai points in this kata. The first one occurs on the jodan-empi-uchi (upper level elbow strike). The second one occurs on the last chudan-tate-zuki (middle level vertical punch).
To return to a ready position after the last movement of the kata leave your hands in place in front of you,, now leaving your right foot in place, withdraw to your left foot and place it beside your right foot, now, with your feet together hop backwards 12 inches to the right at a 45 degree angle, then hop twice directly backwards 12 inches each time so as to stand up once again facing forward in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). Finish with your hands in the Yoi (ready) position identical to the start of the kata. You must now formally end the kata. You do this by bringing your left foot half way in towards your right foot and your right foot half way in towards your left foot so that you are now standing with your feet together. At the same time as you bring your feet together also bring your hands to your sides so you are again standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance). Now rei (bow). After bowing, step out with your left foot and then your right foot and once again stand in hachiji-dachi (natural stance) while at the same time bringing your hands from your sides and hold them in a ready position in front of you with your fists closed.