TIPS TO IMPROVE KATAS

  Hello fellow fighters, welcome to my site and lets all grow up mentally through reading .This article is for those who want to advance in Karate Katas in details now since we had already discussed the meaning of bunkais ,now lets see more on the 26 katas . We will discuss them in stages as i will still focus on Heian series , the building blocks of Karate Katas,

I will make it brief direct to the point and simple to understand, feel free to comment.

WELCOME OSS🔍

As we all know, let me assume so, shotokan karate is composed of three elements i.e , the 3K's that is 

I. KIHONS -  "basics," or "fundamentals." It is the term used to describe the practice and repetition of the basic techniques of karate. Kihon can be performed with footwork or from a stationary position, individually or in large groups, Kihon can be considered as the alphabet of karate divided into 5 categories: tachi (stances),uke (blocks), tsuki (punches), keri (kicks), uchi (strikes).

II. KATAS--  the pre-arranged sets of movements in which the karateka defends against several imaginary attackers. Each movement of a kata represents a self-defense technique against a potential opponent. These self-defense "applications" are traditionally called bunkai (analysis), All kata have an embusen, or performance line. 

III. KUMITE--Kumite means "meeting of hands." In karate, the term is translated as "sparring."  Sparring is any form of combat training with a partner.

 So in this chapter lets discuss KATAS.

According to the late Master Nakayama Masatoshi, there are five main characteristics of Kata:



1. FIXED NO. of MOVEMENTS

For each Kata, there are a fixed number of movements. The basic Heian Kata have 20 to 27 movements and the advanced Katas can have more than 60. One must perform the movements in the correct order.


2.  BEGIN and END

One must begin and end the Kata at the same point on the floor. Each Kata has its own "shape" -- depending on the Kata, the karateka may move along a straight line or a "T"- or "I"-shaped formation.

3.  ALL 26 KATA

There are Kata that all karateka must learn, and Kata that are optional, for a total of 26 Kata. The former consist of the five Heian Kata, Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, and Kanku-dai. Other Kata include Jion, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Bassai-sho, Gankaku, Meikyo, Chinte, Nijushiho, Kanku-sho, Gojushiho-dai, Gojushiho-sho, Kanku-sho, Unsu, Sochin, Ji'in, and Wankan.


4.  KATA DYNAMICS

There are three aspects to performing a dynamic Kata:
Correct use of power
Correct speed of movement, be it fast or slow
Expansion and contraction of the body

The Kata's beauty, power, and rhythm depend on these aspects.


5.  RESPECT

One must always bow at the beginning and end of every Kata performed. Bowing is actually part of the Kata too.

Why is kata important?

The practice of kata offers numerous benefits to a karateka. Its main role was to provide a record of offensive and defensive techniques.

Forms or kata has always been at the heart of traditional Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Traditional martial artists see kata as a fundamental Karate training tool.

Let's examine why training kata is so important.

 1. DEVELOPS PROPER BODY MECHANICS

Kata helps refine techniques and improve proper body mechanics associated with the execution of techniques.

 Correct execution of kata helps you practice generating power in your techniques as most of your power comes from your hips and your core, not from your arms and legs. Katas also allow you to practice speed, precision, and explosiveness.

 The practice of kata is an excellent tool for developing proper footwork and balance as it helps keep your center of gravity in the right place. Kata is also an excellent tool for learning to use your hara into every movement.

 2. BUILDS MUSCLE MEMORY

One of the primary objectives of kata is the development of muscle memory. Practice something enough, and you'll be able to do it without thinking. Kata trains your muscle-brain reactions, so certain moves become "automated" moves, meaning you don't need to think on blocking a punch, just react to it.

 By consistently making the same motions, your brain will become more comfortable with its execution, so movements of defense or counter-attack come more naturally and with less conscious thoughts. That's what we call a reflex.

 3. DEVELOPS MINDFULNESS

Strongly influenced by Chan Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan, Kata is a fantastic tool which helps bring the mind in the present moment. To execute a form correctly, you have no choice but being entirely in the here and the now.

 The practice of kata increases the practitioner's ability to focus his or her mind, to be aware of the moment and to pay attention to what is going on both inside and outside of the self. Through the practice of kata, you learn to connect entirely with the present moment, the only moment we have and that really matters.

 4. DEVELOPS PROPER BREATHING

Diaphragmatic breathing is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese martial arts, but unfortunately, I think that most martial artists don't realize the full measure of how valuable this really is regarding not only for the practice of kata but of Karate in general.

 One of the most critical aspects of Kata is proper breathing. A kata without proper breathing won't have power, snap, and explosiveness - it will feel weak.

 When the mind stops overthinking, when the thoughts are "getting out of the way", proper breathing naturally sinks in. The breath becomes slower, more powerful, and the body adjusts by automatically exhaling at the end of a technique, resulting in an important increase in strength, energy, and stability.

 Kata like Sanshin, use very deep, audible abdominal breaths, synchronized with footwork and hand movements. Independently if it is practiced during, kihon, kumite or kata, karate breathing always come from the hara or deep belly, and not from the thorax.

 HOW TO DO KATA PROPERLY?

When practicing kata, give your best every time

There are many aspects or points that need to be understood and practiced in order to execute a kata properly. Discover a few of these important points.

 1. BE PRESENT

During kata, keep your mind in the present moment, be fully present and engaged. Forget what you did before or what you will do after, just connect with the now.

 2. MUSHIN AND FUDOSHIN

During the practice of both kumite and kata, the delicate balance of Mushin and Fudoshin must be acquired. Mushin is an empty mind, a mind beyond thoughts and desire, entirely in the present moment. Fudoshin is an unshakable mind, a spirit burning with intention. Together, they represent the state of mind of a karateka, a mind that is paradoxically both "empty", adaptable and determined.

 3. ONE STRIKE, ONE KILL

During kata, every single attack should be executed with the intention of eliminating your opponent and every block should be performed with the intention of breaking his bones and crushing his limbs. Have a brave, resolute, and determined spirit.

 4. APPLY TECHNIQUES PROPERLY

While performing kata, every routines and movement should be executed properly. Don't "cut corners" thinking that you'll do better the next time. There is no next time, only now. Each technique should be performed with perfect harmony and mechanical synchronicity, with particular attention on your hips and hara as they are the foundation of every single movement.

 5.INVEST YOURSELF INTO YOUR KATA

When doing kata, invest yourself entirely in it, with your heart and soul. Be momentarily consumed by it. Give all you have in every single strike, in every single movement. Give the very best of yourselves each time. Execute every kata like it will be your last action on this earth before you die. See each kata as your life's legacy.

 6. UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION

Don't do a kata blindly, without understanding it or knowing the meaning of its movements. Research, investigate and ask questions. It is fundamental to understand the nature and reason of each movement. The more you'll understand a kata, the better it's execution will be. Guaranteed.

 TIPS TO IMPROVE KATA

Here is a list of tips that will help you with improving the execution of your kata.

 1. RELAX

When practicing Karate, relaxation is a must, whether it is during kihon, kumite or kata practice. It is a false belief that muscular tension equals power. Typical Western thinking. Actually, it's quite the opposite. The more relax you are, the more powerful you'll generate and the faster you strike will be. Start each movement or technique firmly but relaxed, tense up right at the moment of impact or when blocking, then relax right after.

 2. PRACTICE THE BASIC KATA OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Of course practicing advanced kata like Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, and Empi is essential, but don't neglect to practice the basic ones too. Repeat those Taikyoku, Juni No Kata and Pinan/Heian kata as often as you can. Master them to perfection, it will have a considerable impact on the quality of your advanced kata as well as your overall Karate.

 3. PRACTICE EVERY SINGLE DAY

Training kata once or twice a week is not enough, you need to repeat them over and over again to develop muscle memory. The more often you'll do, the more likely you'll be to cultivate what we call "synchronized and precise muscle memory".

 If you can't go the dojo every day, which is quite difficult for most people, at least practice at home. You don't have to do a one-hour session, but 20 minutes or so every day will make a big difference.

 4. BREAK DOWN YOUR KATA INTO SMALL SERIES

Katas are complex, most have around 30 to 60 moves, sometimes more. Break down your kata into series of 3-5 movements and practice each set until it becomes second nature. By breaking your kata into a small series of moves, you can concentrate on perfecting each part. Once you are happy with each "block of movements", put it all together and practice it as a whole.

 5. PRACTICE IN FRONT OF A MIRROR

Practicing kata in front of a mirror is an excellent way to detect small technical errors and correct them before they set in as bad habits. As the proverb says, "prevention is better than cure".

 6. HAVE SOMEONE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED WATCH YOU

Sometimes, even if you practice in front of a mirror or film yourself, it's hard to be aware of the finer technical points you must improve or also to see the bad habits you might have. That's why it's important to have someone highly experience watching you perform kata. It's easier for another person to see our "faults" that it is for ourselves, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

 7. FILM YOURSELF DOING KATA

Filming yourself doing kata will allow you to pick up technical errors that you might make. It is beneficial to have an instructor or experienced practitioner to tell you about your mistakes, but also, it's also important to see it yourself. Filming yourself often will allow you to improve your kata and monitor your progress. I personally, do this often, and it helps me a lot.

 8. WATCH OTHER PEOPLE DO KATA

Try to regularly watching people perform kata or videos of people performing, it will help you to build a clear and precise mental picture of how kata should be executed and will help you learn new things.

 9. VISUALIZATION

Although it's an uncommon practice in karate circles, visualization is one of the main tools used in sports psychology and by world-class athletes. It's an incredibly powerful tool that will help you improving kata or any other aspect of your practice.

 Visualization in sports or mental imagery is a way of conditioning for your brain for successful outcomes. Visualizing or purposely rehearsing a kata in your mind's eye (or any other physical performance like kihon or kumite) will program your body and your mind for success. It is proven by science that when athletes visualize or imagine a successful competition, they actually stimulate the same brain regions as they do when they physically perform that same action.

 

To find more articles of interest, search on one of these keywords:

karate throws, kata techniques, bunkai, leg techniques

http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=77

Kata Name	Kanji	Kiai #1	Kiai #2	Count	Meaning	Kata Groups
Taikyoku Sho-dan	太極初段	8	16	20	First cause - first level	Modern
Taikyoku San-dan	太極初段	8	16	20	First cause - second level	Modern
Heian Sho-dan	平安初段	9	17	21	Peaceful mind - first level	Heian
Heian Ni-dan	平安二段	11	26	26	Peaceful mind - second level	Heian
Heian San-dan	平安三段	10	20	20	Peaceful mind - third level	Heian
Heian Yon-dan	平安四段	13	25	27	Peaceful mind - fourth level	Heian
Heian Go-dan	平安五段	12	19	23	Peaceful mind - fifth level	Heian
Tekki Sho-dan	鉄騎初段	15	29	29	Iron horse - first level	Tekki
Tekki Ni-dan	鉄騎二段	16	24	24	Iron horse - second level	Tekki
Tekki San-dan	鉄騎三段	16	36	36	Iron horse - third level	Tekki
Bassai-Dai	披塞大	19	42	42	To penetrate the fortress - big	Sentei
Kanku-Dai	観空大	16	65	65	To look at the sky - big	Sentei
Jion	慈恩	17	47	47	Named after the Temple Jion-Ji	Sentei
Empi	燕飛	15	36	37	Flying swallow	Sentei
Jitte	十手	13	24	24	Ten hands	Advanced (Funakoshi)
Gankaku	岩鶴	28	42	42	Crane on a rock	Advanced (Funakoshi)
Hangetsu	半月	11	40	41	Half moon	Advanced (Funakoshi)
Kanku-Sho	観空小	6	48	48	To look at the sky - small	Advanced (Nakayama)
Bassai-Sho	披塞小	17	22	27	To penetrate the fortress - small	Advanced (Nakayama)
Chinte	珍手	28	32	32	Incredible hands	Advanced (Nakayama)
Nijushiho	二十四步	18	33	34	24 Steps	Advanced (Nakayama)
Sochin	壯鎭	30	41	41	Preserve peace	Advanced (Nakayama)
Unsu	雲手	36	48	48	Hand of a cloud	Advanced (Nakayama)
Gojushiho-Sho	五十四歩小	57	64	65	54 Steps - small	Advanced (Nakayama)
Gojushiho-Dai	五十四歩大	59	66	67	54 Steps - big	Advanced (Nakayama)
Meikyo	明鏡	32	-	33	Mirror of the soul	Advanced (Nakayama)
Wankan	王冠	24	-	24	Crown of a king	Advanced (Rare)
Jiin	慈陰	11	35	35	Named after the Temple Jion-Ji or the saint	Advanced (Rare)