Kata

Kata have been passed down to us from earlier masters. They are our heritage, reflecting the traditions from which our modern karate springs. Masters developed kata as a way to catalog their techniques and strategies, and as a way to pass them on to others.

But the meaning of the techniques was not obvious. Higher level techniques were revealed only after years, sometimes decades, of study.

Traditionally, kata was the very foundation of karate study. Often a kata was practiced for years until perfected. only then would a student be introduced to another kata.

Unfortunately, kata today is often misunderstood. Many teachers just attribute them to old ways, or to tradition: good exercise but of little real value.

This is regrettable. It is like owning a great book but never being able to read it.

With work, kata can come alive. They offer tremendous wisdom, knowledge of strategy, technique, human anatomy, reflexes, the nervous system! and psychology. But this comes later, and only after tremendous effort and thought. Each kata has its own name. Some are named after their creators; others reflect concepts. Many of the kata from Okinawa have been given Japanese names.

THE STAGES OF LEARNING

At each level of study you will be introduced to new kata. Beginning kata teach movement, multiple techniques and pattern. Initially you will be concerned with performing each technique correctly and which technique comes next. The mind is full of what you should be doing. This is the physical stage.

Eventually, practice becomes more automatic, attention falling more on the details of execution, rhythm and the spirit of the action. At this stage you begin to generate real power in your techniques and also begin to learn their application (bunkai).

The middle stage is completed when kata becomes pure form, automatic, smooth, technically correct, powerful, and performed without conscious thought. This is the beginning of mental stage of kata - kata as a form of mediation. At a black belt level, actual combat situations are visualized. You begin to live the kata. In your mind's eye, you experience the attack with all of your senses. The kata becomes almost real, as you internally experience the attacks, as you body blocks and counters.

At this stage, kata is internalized. You are kata and kata is you. Within you is an ingrained legacy from those masters whose kata was your teacher. If you are ever threatened, you will not stand alone. The collective expertise of centuries is your guide, ever ready to spring forth and defend you.

HOW KATA ARE CONNECTED

In karate most kata lead to others to form systems. Beginning kata teach essentials, thus serving as prototypes for higher forms. Simple combinations and patterns are expanded in other forms at higher levels. In this way, beginning Taikyokyu are expanded in Pinan, and later find full expression in Kanku and other forms. Groups of kata thus become circular, one kata leading to the next, a higher kata in turn expands knowledge of lower ones.




		Kata
		Kata are prearranged sequences of defensive and offensive movements against imaginary opponents. Employed are blocks, punches, kicks and movements from various stances following specific patterns. Seido kata also start and ends on the same spot. Kata have been passed down to us from earlier masters. They are our heritage, reflecting the traditions from which our modern karate springs. Masters developed kata as a way to catalog their techniques and strategies, and as a way to pass them on to others. But the meaning of the techniques was not obvious. Higher level techniques were revealed only after years, sometimes decades, of study. Traditionally, kata was the very foundation of karate study. Often a kata was practiced for years until perfected. only then would a student be introduced to another kata. Unfortunately, kata today is often misunderstood. Many teachers just attribute them to old ways, or to tradition: good exercise but of little real value. This is regrettable. It is like owning a great book but never being able to read it. With work, kata can come alive. They offer tremendous wisdom, knowledge of strategy, technique, human anatomy, reflexes, the nervous system! and psychology. But this comes later, and only after tremendous effort and thought. Each kata has its own name. Some are named after their creators; others reflect concepts. Many of the kata from Okinawa have been given Japanese names. THE STAGES OF LEARNING At each level of study you will be introduced to new kata. Beginning kata teach movement, multiple techniques and pattern. Initially you will be concerned with performing each technique correctly and which technique comes next. The mind is full of what you should be doing. This is the physical stage. Eventually, practice becomes more automatic, attention falling more on the details of execution, rhythm and the spirit of the action. At this stage you begin to generate real power in your techniques and also begin to learn their application (bunkai). The middle stage is completed when kata becomes pure form, automatic, smooth, technically correct, powerful, and performed without conscious thought. This is the beginning of mental stage of kata - kata as a form of mediation. At a black belt level, actual combat situations are visualized. You begin to live the kata. In your mind's eye, you experience the attack with all of your senses. The kata becomes almost real, as you internally experience the attacks, as you body blocks and counters. At this stage, kata is internalized. You are kata and kata is you. Within you is an ingrained legacy from those masters whose kata was your teacher. If you are ever threatened, you will not stand alone. The collective expertise of centuries is your guide, ever ready to spring forth and defend you. HOW KATA ARE CONNECTED In karate most kata lead to others to form systems. Beginning kata teach essentials, thus serving as prototypes for higher forms. Simple combinations and patterns are expanded in other forms at higher levels. In this way, beginning Taikyokyu are expanded in Pinan, and later find full expression in Kanku and other forms. Groups of kata thus become circular, one kata leading to the next, a higher kata in turn expands knowledge of lower ones.

Kata are prearranged sequences of defensive and offensive movements against imaginary opponents. Employed are blocks, punches, kicks and movements from various stances following specific patterns. Seido kata also start and ends on the same spot.