Jitte, Jion and Ji’in kata connection. @davidskaratetips.7306

Описание: The "Ji" in the names of the kata Jion, Jitte, and Ji'in is believed to have a common root and meaning.
The most widely accepted theory is that Ji refers to
"temple" or "mercy/compassion," and is a direct reference to Jion-ji, a famous Buddhist temple in China.
This theory suggests a very direct link between these three kata and a specific historical location or a person named after it. The name is often transliterated in a way that implies this connection:
Jion: "Temple's grace" or "mercy's sound." Some interpretations suggest it is named directly after a saint or monk associated with the Jion-ji temple.
Jitte: This name is the most debated. While a common translation is "ten hands," which refers to the kata's effectiveness as a defense against ten opponents, another theory ties it to the Jion-ji temple. In this theory, the name is a play on words, and it's a
"Temple Technique" (ji or tera).
Ji'in: "Temple's shade" or "mercy's shade." This name, again, directly links the kata to the Jion-ji temple.
So, the "ji" in all three kata is believed to be a shared link that points to a common origin, most likely from the Tomari-te martial arts tradition that was influenced by Chinese fighting arts associated with the Jion-ji temple.
This connection also explains why the three kata share a
very distinct opening salute, where the hands are brought together in a way that resembles a Buddhist prayer or temple greeting. This unique opening is another piece of evidence supporting the theory that these kata belong to a specific family, with a common historical and philosophical root in the Buddhist temple tradition.
The historical accounts and theories of karate's origins point to a Jion-ji temple in China. The name "Jion" is a Buddhist term that translates to "mercy" or "grace," and it was used for several famous Buddhist temples, particularly in the Tang Dynasty. The most well-known of these is the Jion-ji in Xian, China, which was founded in 648 CE. This temple is famously associated with the Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who returned from India with many Buddhist texts and relics.
The connection to this temple in China is key to the theory of the kata's origin. It is believed that martial arts techniques, along with Buddhist philosophy, were transmitted from China to Okinawa by monks or merchants, and that this particular family of kata (Jion, Jitte, Ji'in) was a part of that.

In China, the fist and palm salute (known as
"gongshou" or "yi" in Chinese) is a traditional greeting used to show respect and well wishes.
It involves forming a fist with one hand and covering it with the palm of the other, with the specific hand placement differing for men and women. The gesture is often accompanied by a slight bow. It also has roots in martial arts, where it can signify a non-aggressive stance and mutual respect between practitioners.