| From the basic techniques, the class moves to what’s called ‘kata’. This is a form of defence against imaginary attacks. Kata was used as the highest exercise form when karate wasn’t designed for fighting use yet. There are many kinds of kata’s from simple training cycles, designed for teaching a special technique or special position,’ till adult systems that can be quite complicated. An example for the first type could be the elementary kata’s “Pinans” or “Heians”. The name depends from the style, which is practised. An example for the second type is the “Kanku Dai” or “Ku Shanku” this last one is the longest and most intensive. |
| Some are based on old forms originating from
Okinawa, while others are just designed to be
used as help for teaching. The older kata’s
are interesting, because they consist of moves,
which can’t be explained. Some say, they
were introduced to the kata so that aliens won’t
understand the original meaning. A student who performs kata, can’t really know what’s he’s doing. Many thinks that kata is just like a ask which must be completed before you can go to the more exciting free fight. That is really sad, ‘ cause kata is the embodiment of the karate-do, namely learning how you can reach a clear mind and it’s application. Both aspects are equally important to become master in arts. Many students are behaving themselves like they are playing a competition, which must be won as quickly as possible. This is completely wrong. The kata is a mixture of moves; some are fast, others slow. Every series can be interrupted by a break when the karateka pictures the source of the next attack. During this silence, which follows a series of quick moves, the karateka will turn his head to discover a new danger and he’ll throw himself forward in a mixture of very quick moves. If the kata’s are performed in the right way, then even the basic kata’s will come alive. When the student feels experience and love for the kata then he’ll be able to express it in his personality .He can have the feeling that a move should be performed somewhat longer or shorter. When the student performs the tough kata moves, he must give it his all. Although there are fixed moments to shout a "Kiai", nothing stops the student to suddenly breath out during moments of great power exertion. The noise who comes out of him to gather his forces, is simply unbearable to hear… |