| Kata (form), is a set sequence of karate moves, | | | | should be the same with every fast block. |
| ranging from a few really basic karate moves, up to | | | | They should be practiced with correct timing, breathing, |
| hundreds of the really advanced techniques. These | | | | distance and kime (focus). |
| techniques are strung together in a predetermined | | | | From the first rei (bow), to the last rei, you are in a fight |
| order, that in some instances, has not changed for | | | | and the fight is only as strong as your imagination and |
| hundreds of years. | | | | spirit! |
| These forms start from the white belt kata, which | | | | In the younger karateka, the fight in the form is |
| have very basic block and punch combinations, | | | | everything, in the latter years, fighting gives way to |
| progressing through the karate belt system, up to the | | | | health and the karate kata take on a whole new |
| karate kata that have jumps, spins, kicks, strikes, | | | | meaning. But that's another article. |
| throws, sweeps, etc. | | | | When people attend karate classes for the first time, |
| Many people misunderstand kata. There are many | | | | basic moves are first practiced, pretty soon after this, |
| benefits attached to kata practice and simply learning | | | | the first form is taught. |
| the correct karate moves in the right order is the easy | | | | When a new karateka starts to learn karate kata for |
| part. | | | | the first time, it is very confusing, the sensei will say, |
| Apart from the obvious fitness benefits associated | | | | 'imagine you are fighting someone'. When no one is |
| with forms practice, there are many deeper benefits. | | | | there, this can seem a little confusing. Imagination is |
| When you perform a karate form fast, you should | | | | needed when practicing kata, imagine you are being |
| imagine you are fighting for real, every fast strike | | | | attacked and imagine you are striking an aggressor, |
| should be performed like your life depends on it and it | | | | this type of training will ensure strong karate kata. |