| Kata is unique to Karate. What is kata? Why learn | | | | actual combat. Since some of the techniques are |
| kata? | | | | much too dangerous to practice on a person, kata is |
| In Karate one training method for practitioners to | | | | practiced. |
| develop speed, power, timing, rhythm, footwork, | | | | Karate Kata can be performed many different ways: |
| balance, and reflexes is Karate kata. Karate kata, also | | | | the way the school practices, performed at lightening |
| known as Okinawan kata and Karate forms, is defined | | | | quick speed, performed dynamically, and finally the |
| as fighting movements performed against imaginary | | | | way that feels natural to the practitioner combining all |
| opponents in a prearranged sequence of defensive | | | | methods. The way the school performs the kata |
| and offensive karate techniques. Although, the | | | | depends on the head instructor and how it was |
| practitioner is not actually striking anything the | | | | passed down. Generally the Kata becomes a |
| imagination of the practitioner is such that the speed | | | | distinctive characteristic of the school. Dynamically is |
| and power is present as if an opponent or opponents | | | | tensing the muscles combined with breathing to build |
| are truly there. This is called focus. Using focus and | | | | muscle strength. |
| determination in each Karate kata movement builds | | | | In Karate it is estimated that more than 50 kata are |
| proficiency and expertise in Karate techniques. All of | | | | practiced by various Okinawan styles. Some of the |
| this is necessary for the development of armed or | | | | kata origins are unknown since they were practiced in |
| unarmed fighting skills. | | | | secret and passed down by word of mouth. Some |
| Learning concentration, breathing techniques, and | | | | karate historians believe kata movements may have |
| discipline are a few of the many benefits gained from | | | | been developed from dance influenced by animal |
| practicing Okinawan kata. Combining these techniques | | | | movements dating as far back as ancient China. This |
| the final result of Karate kata is the execution of the | | | | makes some sense, since a few kata came to |
| block and punch or other technique to disable the | | | | Okinawa by way of Chinese travelers and are named |
| imaginary opponent. Applied to real life situation there | | | | as such. |
| may not be enough time to execute a second punch | | | | Within Okinawan kata there is a line of movement. |
| or strike. Therefore execution of the kata should be as | | | | This is the direction of movement within the kata |
| if a life-threatening situation actually is occurring and | | | | starting with linear movement. Linear movement |
| strive to end the confrontation as quickly as possible | | | | pertains to movement across a straight line. The other |
| ultimately with a single block and a strike or other | | | | lines of movements are the tee, cross, and I line of |
| technique. | | | | movement. The movements are exactly what are |
| The names of Okinawan kata have been handed | | | | described; the practitioner's movement is in directions |
| down by word of mouth for 300 years. Some of the | | | | that form the pattern. The ending should be at the |
| names were from people's names that created or | | | | approximate location as the starting location. Stances |
| perfected the kata. Some kata are named after | | | | should be performed exactly the same each time the |
| places in Okinawa. Other kata names originated from | | | | kata is practiced. |
| more in depth kata movements resembling animals or | | | | Through continuous practicing of Karate kata muscle |
| some deadly technique. | | | | memory develops. Muscle memory develops the |
| Many secrets of Karate are within the Okinawan kata. | | | | natural flow for the unification of mind and body. Every |
| The secrets are found only through true knowledge of | | | | little detail of the karate techniques becomes part of |
| what is called bunkai. Bunkai is the interpretation and | | | | the practitioner executing the movements. |
| application of Karate kata movements applied to | | | | |