The Purpose of Kata
We, as Martial Artists sometimes look at some aspects of our training with a certain level of confusion. Many times in the dojo we hear “Sensei why are we doing this?” This is a common question when learning kata. There are several steps to truly learning kata, not just a kata in which will be explored in this article.
What is kata??
Kata is a predetermined pattern of movements depicting a self defense scenario against multiple attacks or attackers. Each movement being significant in its purpose also shows many hidden movements below the surface. This was purposely done when kata was being created so it could be practiced in secret and look to others as no more than an exercise or dance.
Step One: Learning the Movements
This seems to be the most confusing part of training with kata. Move left, move right, block, kick, strike, and kiai. All on a certain count and speed. Confused yet? Sure, who would not be confused. This is a systematic pattern to help each and every karateka (karate student) expand their knowledge and skill level beyond just simple practice. Each direction that you move in a kata helps define the movement and the meaning of it (bunkai). For example step number five in Heian Shodan is to step left with the left foot into a zenkusu dachi (forward stance) with your toes and body facing the correct direction. Without the correct execution of this movement alone you can and will have great difficulty with the next 25 steps of this kata. Each movement must be learned so that it is second nature to the karateka (karate student), so that as he/she progresses further and learns more, the kata will make more sense to them.
Step Two: Developing the Movements
Over time and with much practice you will gain better technique in your kata. This takes several years to develop, and actually may never be mastered in ones’ lifetime. Each movement you make with your body should help generate more power into the technique itself. This simply means each single movement, including your breathing must act as one movement. Body movement is known as Tai Sabaki, which determines the defense against the attack being performed against you. To help develop these movements there are preset patterns for students to practice with an uke, to help better understand why they are stepping a certain way or performing a certain technique.
Step Three: (Breathing and Kiai) Why are they important?
When practicing kata, the idea is to act and perform as though there is an invisible attacker trying to attack you in certain ways. Thus, you must be able to breathe correctly, step correctly, and kiai with the spirit of ten men. This is partially where your strength will come from, and this is how your technique will become more powerful and get better and better over time.
Step Four: Bunkai (The Interpretation of Kata)
There are numerous schools of thought about kata. What is it for? What can it do for the student, and so on? The simple fact is it will help develop ones’ reaction time, power, kime (focus), and more. With everything in place now, the bunkai aspect, the interpretation of this mystical or maybe not so mystical thing is called kata. Each movement shows a defensive or offensive movement against a would be attacker. Some clearly speak for themselves while other waza (techniques) are clearly hidden and not well interpreted. This leaves the doors open for one to use their imagination, to research and to see what can come of these hidden movements. Of course this is not done at the beginning levels or even the early advanced levels. This is where a brand new shodan starts to learn all over again. Within the bunkai there is also application Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan Kan also teaches Yakosoku Kata which is a prearranged sequence of techniques from each kata done against a attacker. This teaches the student how to apply the technique as we as tai sabaki, focus, and a actuall application of the movements
How does kata play a part in Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan?
Kata is a significantly important part of Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan, from the brand new student just starting out, to the master and grandmaster training. Kata helps us as karateka (karate students) to continue to better ourselves and grow as Martial Artists. The late Nakayama Sensei and Enoda Sensei were great believers in kata and what it did to help the karateka become the best they could possibly be. The physical and mental challenge of repetitious practice can only strengthen a person, if that person allows themselves to learn from the experience.
Conclusion:
Best of luck and train hard. Accept the lessons kata will offer with open arms and learn them, ponder them, and make them the true basis for your training.
Written By:
Kyoshi Brandon Fisher, Nanadan
Revised 2006
"Even after many years, kata practice is never finished, for there is always something new to be learned about executing a movement." ~ Shoshin Nagamine, Matsubayashi Shorinryu – Karatedo (1907 – 1997)
What is kata??
Kata is a predetermined pattern of movements depicting a self defense scenario against multiple attacks or attackers. Each movement being significant in its purpose also shows many hidden movements below the surface. This was purposely done when kata was being created so it could be practiced in secret and look to others as no more than an exercise or dance.
Step One: Learning the Movements
This seems to be the most confusing part of training with kata. Move left, move right, block, kick, strike, and kiai. All on a certain count and speed. Confused yet? Sure, who would not be confused. This is a systematic pattern to help each and every karateka (karate student) expand their knowledge and skill level beyond just simple practice. Each direction that you move in a kata helps define the movement and the meaning of it (bunkai). For example step number five in Heian Shodan is to step left with the left foot into a zenkusu dachi (forward stance) with your toes and body facing the correct direction. Without the correct execution of this movement alone you can and will have great difficulty with the next 25 steps of this kata. Each movement must be learned so that it is second nature to the karateka (karate student), so that as he/she progresses further and learns more, the kata will make more sense to them.
Step Two: Developing the Movements
Over time and with much practice you will gain better technique in your kata. This takes several years to develop, and actually may never be mastered in ones’ lifetime. Each movement you make with your body should help generate more power into the technique itself. This simply means each single movement, including your breathing must act as one movement. Body movement is known as Tai Sabaki, which determines the defense against the attack being performed against you. To help develop these movements there are preset patterns for students to practice with an uke, to help better understand why they are stepping a certain way or performing a certain technique.
Step Three: (Breathing and Kiai) Why are they important?
When practicing kata, the idea is to act and perform as though there is an invisible attacker trying to attack you in certain ways. Thus, you must be able to breathe correctly, step correctly, and kiai with the spirit of ten men. This is partially where your strength will come from, and this is how your technique will become more powerful and get better and better over time.
Step Four: Bunkai (The Interpretation of Kata)
There are numerous schools of thought about kata. What is it for? What can it do for the student, and so on? The simple fact is it will help develop ones’ reaction time, power, kime (focus), and more. With everything in place now, the bunkai aspect, the interpretation of this mystical or maybe not so mystical thing is called kata. Each movement shows a defensive or offensive movement against a would be attacker. Some clearly speak for themselves while other waza (techniques) are clearly hidden and not well interpreted. This leaves the doors open for one to use their imagination, to research and to see what can come of these hidden movements. Of course this is not done at the beginning levels or even the early advanced levels. This is where a brand new shodan starts to learn all over again. Within the bunkai there is also application Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan Kan also teaches Yakosoku Kata which is a prearranged sequence of techniques from each kata done against a attacker. This teaches the student how to apply the technique as we as tai sabaki, focus, and a actuall application of the movements
How does kata play a part in Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan?
Kata is a significantly important part of Shorin Ryu - Seijitsu Shin Do Kan, from the brand new student just starting out, to the master and grandmaster training. Kata helps us as karateka (karate students) to continue to better ourselves and grow as Martial Artists. The late Nakayama Sensei and Enoda Sensei were great believers in kata and what it did to help the karateka become the best they could possibly be. The physical and mental challenge of repetitious practice can only strengthen a person, if that person allows themselves to learn from the experience.
Conclusion:
Best of luck and train hard. Accept the lessons kata will offer with open arms and learn them, ponder them, and make them the true basis for your training.
Written By:
Kyoshi Brandon Fisher, Nanadan
Revised 2006
"Even after many years, kata practice is never finished, for there is always something new to be learned about executing a movement." ~ Shoshin Nagamine, Matsubayashi Shorinryu – Karatedo (1907 – 1997)
