Karate Basics - Kata Explained
Kata translates literally as 'form'. It is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs.
Kata are used in many traditional Japanese arts but are most commonly known for their presence in the Martial Arts. Most traditional Japanese and Okinawan Martial Arts, such as Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, Kendo and Karate use Kata.
In Japanese Martial Arts practice, Kata is often seen as an essential partner to traditional training with one complementing the other. However, the actual type and frequency of Kata versus traditional training varies from Art to Art. Kata teaches important concepts. These include timing and distance, with the Kata practiced at high speed. The imagined roles of attacker and defender often interchange within the sequence.
Many Martial Arts use Kata for public demonstrations and in competitions, awarding points for such aspects of technique as style, balance, timing, and verisimilitude (appearance of being real).
The most common view associated with Kata is that of a Karate practitioner performing a series of punches and kicks in the air. The Kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. There are perhaps 100 Kata across the various forms of Karate, each with many minor variations. The Karate-ka is generally counseled to visualise the enemy attacks, and his or her responses, as actually occurring.
Kata helps self-defence training in areas such as awareness, spirit, focus, strength, speed, concentration and stamina. Katas vary depending on where you train. Some instructors have modified them over the years or you may find the speed and timing are different.
Kata No Rokugensoku (Six Principles of Kata)
- Ikita: Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose and performed as a real fight.
- Inen: Kata must be performed with a real fighting spirit.
- Chikara no Kyojaku: Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft
- Waza no Kankyu: Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
- Kisoku no Donto: Kata must be performed with correct and controlled rhythm of breathing. Karate-ka must know when when to inhale and exhale.
- Kinto: Balance. Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of Kata.
