The practice of Kata plays an important role in studying all styles of karate. Kata consist of a prearranged sequence of blocks, strikes and movements. There is often debate over the precise meaning and purpose of kata (bunkai). It is my belief that kata represent a mnemonic, providing a context within which to study techniques, how moves fit and flow together. They represent a method of linking the kihon (basic techniques) and kumite (sparring) aspects of karate.
Kata can be divided in to four elements: kamae (meaning ‘position’ or ‘attitude’), waza (‘technique’), kiai (‘the meeting of internal power’ or ‘spiritual meeting’), and zanshin (‘alertness remaining form’). Kamae refers to the position of the entire body, both physical and psychological - i.e. both stance and mental/spiritual attitude. Jones divides waza into several elements: katachi (‘form’), sokudo (‘speed’), kime (‘focus’), nagare (‘flow’), sekaku (‘accuracy’) and kyokyu (‘breathing’). A proper technique cannot be performed without application of all of the aforementioned. Kiai refers to the shout emitted by the practitioner at certain stages of the kata where the body is tensed prior to a technique and the whole energy of the body is released with the shout and the technique. It is important to bare in mind that the kiai is not just a loud shout, it enables focusing of the mind and body into the technique to effect the efficient release of the maximum of energy. Finally, zanshin refers to the fact that the kata does not finish until the karateka returns to his/her original position and that one must perform naore with the same effort and attitude with which the kata was performed.
Kata
Teikioko Shodan
Pinan Shodan
Kata can be divided in to four elements: kamae (meaning ‘position’ or ‘attitude’), waza (‘technique’), kiai (‘the meeting of internal power’ or ‘spiritual meeting’), and zanshin (‘alertness remaining form’). Kamae refers to the position of the entire body, both physical and psychological - i.e. both stance and mental/spiritual attitude. Jones divides waza into several elements: katachi (‘form’), sokudo (‘speed’), kime (‘focus’), nagare (‘flow’), sekaku (‘accuracy’) and kyokyu (‘breathing’). A proper technique cannot be performed without application of all of the aforementioned. Kiai refers to the shout emitted by the practitioner at certain stages of the kata where the body is tensed prior to a technique and the whole energy of the body is released with the shout and the technique. It is important to bare in mind that the kiai is not just a loud shout, it enables focusing of the mind and body into the technique to effect the efficient release of the maximum of energy. Finally, zanshin refers to the fact that the kata does not finish until the karateka returns to his/her original position and that one must perform naore with the same effort and attitude with which the kata was performed.
Kata
Teikioko Shodan
Pinan Shodan
Pinan Nidan
Pinan Sandan
Pinan Yodan
Pinan Godan
Ananku
Wanshu
Kushanku
Nai Hanchi (Naifanchi)
Seishan
Chinto
Zenshin
Jion
Bassai
Rohai
Wanshi
Niseishi (Nijushiho
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