If one were to describe Kata to a
non-practitioner of Karate
then the definition would be something like: "A prescribed sequence of steps, strikes, and blocks combined in such a manner as to allow us to practise
them with a view to achieving all techniques with balance, speed, power, precision,
and grace of execution." However, it is fair to say that
Kata is considerably
more
than this.
The word kata means "shape" or "form". The kanji for Kata is composed of the following characters:
Katachi meaning "Shape"
Kai meaning "Cut"
Tsuchi meaning "Earth"
or "Soil"
Literally translated, kata means "shape which cuts the ground".
The number of movements and their sequence are very specific. The balance between offensive and defensive techniques, the stances used and the direction and flow of
movement all serve to give each kata its distinctive character. Through the practice of kata, the traditional techniques used for fighting are learned.
Balance, coordination, breathing and concentration
are also developed. Done properly, kata are an excellent physical exercise
and a very effective form of total mind and body conditioning. Kata embodies the idea of ren ma, or "always polishing" – with diligent practice,
the moves of the kata become further refined
and perfected. The attention to detail that is necessary to perfect a kata cultivates
self discipline.
Through concentration, dedication and practice, a higher level of learning
may be achieved, where the kata is so ingrained in the subconscious mind that no conscious attention is needed.
This is what the Zen masters call mushin, or "no mind." The conscious, rational thought practice is not used at all – what was once memorized is now
spontaneous.
Mas Oyama
said that one should "think of karate as a language – the kihon (basics) can be thought of as the letters of the alphabet, the kata (forms) will be the equivalent of words and sentences, and the kumite (fighting) will be analogous to conversations."
He believed that it was better
to master just one kata than to only half-learn many. Mas Oyama also emphasized the three fundamental principles of kata:
The Tempo (fast - slow) of the Techniques. The tempo of the kata varies – some techniques are performed quickly, while
others are done more slowly.
The Force (strong -
weak) of the Power. The power of a technique derives from the proper balance between strength and relaxation.
The Control (regulation) of Breathing.
The practice of traditional kata is also a way for the Karateka to pay respect to the origins and history of Kyokushin
Karate and the martial arts in general.
The Kata of Kyokushin Karate are as dynamic
as they are diverse. They are very much a reflection of the style and nature of Mas Oyama,
the founder of Kyokushin Karate. The Kata which Kyokushin Budo Kai practitioners learn early in their training are reflective of the early training regimen of Oyama. Similarly, Oyama's later training is evident in the senior Kata as practised within the Kyokushin Budo Kai system.
The initial Kata practised within the Kyokushin Budo Kai system are mostly based on Shotokan
Kata (Taikyoku and
Pinan) and Chinese Kempo (Yantsu). The later, more flamboyant and impressive Kata are derived
from Goju
Ryu.
The sequence of training and Kata learned within Kyokushinkai and Kyokushin Budo
Kai differs from other 'sports based'
systems. This is typically since sport based Karate schools
are
concerned more with winning
Kata competitions than they are with an effective system of unarmed
combat.