The ten-chi-jin kumite are six basic attack and counter-attack sequences, three using hand techniques and three using foot techniques, which are designed to develop the ability to decide the correct distancing for a particular technique and also the most effective footwork to get close with that technique.
To achieve this, one hand sequence and one foot sequence are devoted to each of the three ranges: short, middle and long.
- For short range (chika ma), only the front foot is moved in offensive motions (fumikomi ashi) and only the back foot (hiki ashi) in defense.
- For middle range (chu kan), both feet are used in succession, with a forward sliding step (okuri ashi zenshin) for offense and a backward sliding step (okura ashi kotai) for defense.
- For long range (to ma) situations a combination of both short and middle range footwork is used with offensive movements using lunge steps (oi ashi), and defensive ones using receding steps (sagari ashi).
In additon, these kumite should be practiced to develop an understanding of the value of footwork (ashi sabaki), bodywork (tai sabaki), and handwork (te sabaki) for proper defense, especially using them to avoid counterattack.
The ten-ch-jin kumite were developed by So Shihan Masayuki Hisataka, Headmaster of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan, and are based on the concept of ten-chi-jin, or the three level of life. Thus, the ultimate purpose of this kumite is to develop strategy, energy, and power from nature.
All hand sequences begin in left crane stance (hidari tsuru ashi dachi) with an upper-level guard (jodan kamae) with the left hand open and the right hand closed.
All leg sequences begin in a right crane stance (migi tsuru ashi dachi) with an upper-level guard (jodan Kamae) with the right hand open and the left hand closed.
