Saifa

Background

One of the naha-te group of kata, Saifa is most popularly practiced in gojo ryu, where Higaonna Saifa is performed. Similar to the Shukokai variant, the goju form exhibits more circular movements, with the hands held closer to the body, turning in smaller arcs.
The Shukokai version of Saifa practiced is from Mabuni-ha Shito Ryu, and remains unchanged in form by Tani. Arm movements are exaggerated, and the hip is brought into play in a more obvious fashion.
In considering the breakdown of the kata (bunkai) it may be a useful exercise for the student to consider the goju form also.

Combination 1

From yoi, take a step out to the right, towards 1 o'clock, so that you are facing towards 9 o'clock. Pull the right hand back, closed fist, to the right hip, with the left hand, open, covering the knuckles. Thumb of the right hand should be to the top.
Perform empi strike upwards with the right elbow, keeping the left hand covering the knuckles.
Step the left leg back into shiko dachi, simulataneously dropping the left hand behind, to gedan level, with the palm open and pointing towards 9 o'clock.
Bring the left hand upwards, arm straight, subscribing an arc over the top of the head, finishing with the heel of the left hand stopping on the elbow.
As the heel of the hand reaches the elbow, peform uraken uchi with the right hand, as if the knuckles are coming down on top of the bridge of the nose.

Combination 2

Take another step forward, towards 11 o'clock, turning so that both feet are together, facing towards 3 o'clock. Left hand comes back closed to the hip, with the right hand covering, the opposite to combination 1.
Repeat combination 1, but this time to the opposite side.

Combination 3

Take one last step forward, towards 1 o'clock, turning so that both feet are together, facing towards 9 o'clock. Right hand comes back closed to the hip once more, with the left hand covering.
This combination continues exactly as for combination 1 also.

Combination 4

Step up into heiko dachi, facing towards 12 o'clock. Block shut ura uke gedan with left hand, and shuto uchi ura uke jodan with the right hand. Kick mae geri with the right leg, returning leg to heiko dachi.
Reverse arms, so that "double block" is now performed open hand, with left hand jodan, right hand gedan, and kick mae geri with the left leg.

Combination 5

Rather than return leg to heiko dachi, pull leg behind so that you are in zenkutsu dachi, with both feet pointing forward and the left leg in front. Pull both hands back closed fist to the hip, and perform "double punch", with both hands going to chudan level.
Cross both arms above the head, circling round as if drawing a circle from the top to the bottom in 2 halves, with each hand. Bring the right closed fist into the open left hand (leg that is forward should correspond to the hand that is closed). Consider this as a possible escape from a front bearhug.

Combination 6

Take the left leg behind, turn through a half-circle to face towards 6 o'clock, pulling both hand back to the hips, closed fist as you turn. Once you are in left zenkutsu dachi, with both feet pointing forward, strike chudan level once more with "double punch".
Cross both arms above the head, circling round as if drawing a circle from the top to the bottom in 2 halves, with each hand. Bring the left closed fist into the open right hand (leg that is forward should correspond to the hand that is closed). Consider this as a possible escape from a front bearhug.

Combination 7

Pick up the right leg, and turn through 180 degrees, clockwise, towards 12 o'clock. When facing 12 o'clock, stamp the right leg down to the ground, with the left hand pulled back to the left hip, and the right hand blocking uchi otoshi, closed fist.
Perform kakate with right hand, pulling towards the hip and driving a short punch (ura tsuki) with the left hand, palm upwards. Slight shuffle on the punch.

Combination 8

Pick up the left leg, and turn through 180 degrees, anti-clockwise, towards 12 o'clock. When facing 12 o'clock, stamp the left leg down to the ground, landing into sanchin dachi. The right hand should be pulled back to the right hip, as the left hand blocks uchi otoshi, closed fist.
Perform kakate with left hand, pulling towards the hip and driving a short punch (ura tsuki) with the right hand, palm upwards. Slight shuffle on the punch.

Combination 9

Step forward on the right leg, into right zenkutsu dachi, facing towards 6 o'clock. Reach out with the right hand, then punch gyaku tsuki with the left hand, pulling the right hand back to the hip.
Kiai on the punch.

Combination 10

Step the left leg up and across the right leg, and turn clockwise through 180 degrees, facing back towards 12 o'clock, in right neko dachi. Both hands come back open to the left hip (right hand on top), then perfrom mawashi uke, followed by double shotei (palm heel), left hand on top, right hand on bottom.

Combination 11

Step the right leg back slightly and then follow back into heisoku dachi with the left leg. Bring the hands back into the yoi position.

End of Kata

Major kata, therefore finish with neote.

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