Essential points in kata training

1.            Kata training demands perfectly controlled movement sequences.

2.            For each kata, the number of movements is fixed (Twenty, forty, etc ) each technique must be perfect and deliberate, separated by long pauses and purposeful withdrawal movements and they must be performed in the correct order.

3.            The first movement of the kata and the last movement must be executed at the same point on the performance lime. The performance line has various shapes depending on the kata, such as straight line, like the letter “T”, like the letter “1”, in the shape of an asterisk (.) and so on.

4.            There are kata that must be learned and kata that are optional. Ther former are the fice Heian kata and the three Tekki Kata. The latter are Bassai, Kanku, Empi, Hangetsu, Jutte, Gandkaku and Jion. Other kata are Meikyo, Chinte, Nujushiho, Gojushiho, Hyakuhachiho, Tensho, Unsu, Sochin and Seienchin.

5.            To perform a kata dynamically, three rules must be remembered and observed:

                (i) Correct use of power,

                (ii) Speed of movement, fast or slow,

(iii) Expansion and contraction of the body. The beauty, power and rhythm of the kata depend on these three things. Rhythem is the soul of kata. The spirit of kata springs to life in the characteristics changes of speed from fast to slow, in the focusing and relaxding of muscular tension, in the sudden change from gentle breathing to an explosive exhalation, ending in the power of Kiai, or the harmony of resolve between mind and body.

6.            At the beginning and at the end of the kata, one bows. This is part of the kata. When doing kata successively, bow at the very beginning and at the completion of the final kata.

7.            Kata is combat! Every movement is adapted to a specific situation. Only those who can identify the situation (attack), who can fight against it, who can read an opponent and his technique react accordingly, are true exponents of kata.

8.            Kata means form. This is reflected by the importance given to the formal sequence of approach, greeting, addressing, concentration and commencement, to starting and ending at the same point, to Zanshin – withdrawal from the final position and the concluding greeting.