14. KATA

14.1 What is Kata?

 

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:

 

Waza no Kankyu

The Tempo (fast - slow) of the Techniques. The tempo of the kata varies some techniques are performed quickly, while others are done more slowly.

 

Chikara no Kyojaku

The Force (strong - weak) of the Power. The power of a technique derives from the proper balance between strength and relaxation.

 

Iki no Chosei

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.

 

Please remember, within the Budo Kai system, each instructor is the 'chief' of his own dojo. Provided the overall framework of the Kyokushin Budo Kai system is maintained, it is possible that the Kata you will practise at your local dojo differs in some small way to those outlined here. If you have any doubts - ask your instructor for guidance. There is NO substitute for hands-on training and tuition.