Instructions for Kata Practice

The following approach is the best way of learning kata forms:

First practice the general sequence of movements, following the step-by-step illustrations (Embusen). At this stage, strength, speed and rhythm are not important and the finer points of technique are also irrelevant. When you have mastered the general sequence, the other points should be added. You should then start to develop the technique for timing the holding and relaxing of a position and the fast or slow speed sequences demanded by kata in its most profound sense. To those lacking ad deeper understanding of the meaning of kata itself, it will probably always remain a mere striking of balletic poses. In good kata demonstrations, the significance of the movements should become clear, even to the layman. 

Etiquette requires that kata always commences with a forma standing “greeting”. Put your heels together (Musubi Dachi), your hands flat on your thighs and bow from the waist. Look straight ahead, this symbolises the dignity and respect which a karateka should show in the practice of his martial art. After the greeting, you should be in shizentai (Natural stance), position or ready stance with hachiji-dachi, or your feet vertically below your shoulders. The karateka is now in zanshin, representing a state of readiness for imminent action. 

Every kata begins with a basic defensive action. This intended to demonstrate the peaceful nature of training, which has no aggressive purpose, but which, on the contrary, is based on total control. Kata always commence with a glance at the opponent, followed by the opening movements, which should lead swiftly and powerfully, but without haste, into the new stance. Every movement should end with the muscles tightly contracted (KIME), although the tension should be maintained for varying periods of time. These periods may be very brief, as in the 8^th movement of the 1^st kata (left Age Uke) or the 2^nd movement of the 2^nd kata (Nagashi Uke with Ura-ken), or they may be of normal length, as in the 2^nd movement of the 1^st kata (oi-zuki) or the 1^st movement of the 2^nd kata (double arm block), or the tension may be maintained for very long periods indeed (as in every Kiai).