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Kata Is
Karate Mysterious? Are there "Hidden Secrets" revealed only by Karate
Masters? The answer is "No" and "Yes". There are dozens of
techniques to be learned, but when explained and demonstrated by the Instructors
each seems simple. And it is not hard to practice a technique and become
faster and more powerful with it as the weeks pass. If karate had been developed
as a sport (Like boxing) or even as combat against a single serious opponent (as
in the Roman gladiatorial arena) that might be enough. But karate was developed for a desperation fight against odds. The
opponent was armed, or much bigger, or there were several opponents. How will
you train for such impossible situations? The answer is "Kata". The secrets of karate are hidden in these
beautiful compositions of
lethal movement- the five Pinan, the three Naifunchi, Jion,
Bussai-Dai,
the strange looking Sanchin, and many others. Most of
them are several centuries old; all are the works of Okinawa. Like other
classic works of art, the real karateka learns and practices them with respect.
Kata can be done alone or in a group. They cannot be repeated too often. Even
after thousands of repetitions, the karateka keeps discovering new things in
them, facts about attacking and retreating; turning and weight-shifting;
balance, stance, and breathing; the rhythms of speed and power; the problems
of concentration and relaxation the many aspects of serious combat which
are the real "secrets". New Kata are taught at each belt level, and they become
increasingly complex and interesting. Kata performance is one of the main
criterions for promotion. More advanced
students are strictly forbidden to teach their Kata to the less advanced.
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