“The more you practice Karate, the more you learn about yourself.”

Masutatsu Oyama-Founder of Kyokushin Karate

To explain the importance of Kata, a brief background on the martial art of Karate itself should be given. The simplest explanation of this ART, not a sport, is that a Karate student learns to use his hands and feet to overcome and strike his opponents in conflicts and fights or to repel the blows of his opponent. This group of training is called “KIHON” which includes a set of defenses, punches and kicks.

The execution of techniques or Kihon must be performed in appropriate body positions in order to be effective and have the ability to properly deter defensive movements and sufficient damage in attacks. These body positions and positions are known as “DACHI” and “KAMAE” and each has its own names and applications.

Apart from the discussion of purely physical exercises and in fact the distinguishing feature of Karate being a sport and a martial art, there is the discussion of awareness or “ZANSHIN” in Karate exercises, which from the beginning of a student’s training, the instructor explains the uses of strikes, defenses and Dachi, and it is expected that the student will have a proper mental image of that movement when performing them and use sufficient power, “KIME” in his performance.

And of course, breathing or “KOKYU”, which the student will learn the correct way and of course adjust with practice and gradually according to his physical form.

The combination of all the above-mentioned items, namely “Kihon”, “Dachi”, “Zanshin” and “Kokyu” is seen in one place in “KATA”. Kata is seen in all Japanese and Okinawan martial styles, including Judo, Aikido and Kendo in particular, and Far Eastern martial arts in general, but of course not under the name of Kata. Kata are also found in many other Japanese arts, including Kabuki theater or the art of Chado or the tea ceremony, and like them, have a narrative or scenario that is traditionally unchangeable.

The number of Kata varies in different Karate styles. For example, Shito-ryu has over 80 Kata, Shotokan has 26 Kata, Wado-ryu has 15 Kata, Goju-ryu has 12, and Kyokushin has over 26 Kata.

The directions of Kata execution, ” EMBUSEN”, strikes, defenses, and Dachi, are unchangeable. What is important in Kata is the analysis of the set of movements or ” BUNKAI”, which has different and diverse interpretations. Regarding Bunkai, Hiroyoshi Okazaki, 7th Dan Shotokan ISKF, says:

“When I perform a Kata, if I know the Bunkai, I will perform the techniques better. Bunkai is a personal interpretation and I need to find a suitable Bunkai.”

Contrary to popular belief, the pinnacle of the martial art of Karate is not the fight or “KUMITE”. It is the Kata that all that needs to be learned, reviewed or applied in Karate is practiced in one place and as a whole.

Kata is the coordination of nerves and muscles, and this is the foundation of this martial art. Kata is the practice of Dachi, Kihon, breathing and most importantly, constant and repeated awareness that, based on the student’s mental image of the relevant Bunkai while performing the Kata, causes him to disconnect from external factors and focus on the execution of the movements, which is the most important characteristic that a fighter must have.

Therefore, practicing Kata is truly the essence of Karate and all that can be gained from this martial art.

June 16, 2015

Follow me on X: @taleisensei

sports_management #TaleiSensei