Traditionally it is thought that this kata was learned by Kanryo Higaonna from his teacher Ryu Ryu Ko while the former studied in China in the second half of the nineteenth century. This is the argument presented by Morio Higaonna in his book The History of Karate. At that time however 'things Chinese' carried with them a greater sense of value to Okinawan people and it may have been the case that this kata did not come directly from China but was only said to have done so. Or, that it was introduced from China at a later date by Chojun Miyagi and was not part of the original syllabus. Another idea is that Master Miyagi created the kata himself from his own insight and influenced by other forms.
Recent research has begun to suggest that Kanryo Higaonna may only have learned Sanchin, Sanseiru, Seisan and Suparinpei. Nathan Johnson in his book The Great Karate Myth examines this issue in more detail.
The origins of the form are further muddied by the lack of a reliable insight into the kung fu style it originated from. Accepted versions hold that it is from a Tiger or Crane style, but one researcher has put forward the argument that it may be derived from Lion kung fu.
The techniques in the kata teach the practitioner Folding, Grounding and Whipping. Folding refers to the practice of collapsing an opponent's limb at the joints, allowing it to be controlled. Grounding is the ability to 'sink into the floor' and then rebound up to generate more power. Whipping is the ability to deliver fast attacks with a whip-like motion. In addition, Gavin Mulholland argues in Four Shades of Black that this form is about learning how to break free of all manner of grabs and holds.
Master Morio Higaonna performing Saifa
