Rotating Palms

Rotating Palms (Tensho)

Taught at Cobra Martial Arts at Black Belt (adults) and 2nd Degree Black Belt (children)

Created by Master Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953), Tensho can be translated to "Revolving Hands", "Heavenly Hands", "Flowing Hands" or "Rotating Palms". A complex yet balanced combination of soft, flowing hand movements with hard dynamic tension and yoga based breathing, concentrates internal strength in the 'tanden' or 'hara', an area two inches below the navel where energy (chi) is formed.

Rotating palms develops and represents the soft side of martial arts / life, with emphasis on soft hand movements but concentrating on moving focus points. An amazing amount of power is generated in doing so. The concept of using the opponents own force to defeat them uses the principle of softness / deflection rather that hardness whereby you meet your opponent's force head on. The 'tensho' principle is used effectively in sparring when parrying / deflecting, side-stepping, slipping and ducking, instead of blocking, checking or covering-up when defending. Using evasive defences throws your opponent off balance and opens them up for counter attack. It also increases the power and impact of your counter.

Tensho was inspired by Bodhidharma, an ancient master, who one day was observing the force of nature. Winds were so powerful a bird flying north could no longer cope with the buffeting of the storm into which it was flying. The more effort it put forth the more tired if became. The bird suddenly altered its strategy and rather than exerting its absolute energy against the overpowering winds, it relaxed and went with the flow of the force. With this, the bird developed incredible speed and as it passed the master's house the feathers at the tip of its wings shattered the corner tiles of the roof. It is said that this story also spawned the practice of breaking tiles with the hands.

As we age we will slow down and weaken. The use of the 'hard' principles of fighting is most effective when we are younger and / or stronger. So 'hard' systems are consequently more effective for larger and / or stronger people. What happens when the 'hard' martial artsist who has gotten by on strength one day confronts someone even larger or stronger? What does a smaller, weaker or aged person do? They should utilise the principles of Tensho. In principle, the stronger your opponent the more force you are able to turn back onto them.

Tensho is practiced with a conscious fluidity of circular movements which is accompanied by relaxed inward yoga breathing. Sanchin kata (Three Battles) and Tensho kata (Rotating Palms), although principally inverse / opposites, integrate to communicate the core of all martial arts systems.

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