Kata / principles
Form and function
Kata is built on form, but form is not an end in itself. Form preserves technical principles: stance, direction, balance, impact surface, breathing, defence, attack, transition and finish.
A kata should therefore be trained with both precision and intent. If the form becomes careless, the principles disappear. If the movements are performed without function, kata becomes an empty sequence.
Variation of technical methods
In Oyama's description of formal exercises, kata consists of technical variations, breathing and weight distribution. This means a kata is not merely a series of techniques but an organized whole in which different technical methods are combined.
Technical variation may include:
- blocks
- blows and thrusts
- kicks
- open-hand techniques
- turns
- steps
- changes of stance
- transitions between soft and hard movement
- transfer of the centre of gravity
Stance and weight distribution
Kata should rest on clear stances. Every stance has a function: stability, movement, protection, force transfer or preparation for the next movement.
Weight distribution must not be random. It should follow the requirements of the kata and make the next technique possible without loss of balance. If the weight is misplaced, the turn becomes slow, the technique weak and the transition unstable.
Direction and centre line
Every movement in kata has a direction. That direction should be visible in the gaze, hips, footwork and technique.
The centre line is used as a reference for:
- where the technique starts
- the line the technique follows
- how the body turns
- how power is gathered
- how the finish is stabilized
Breathing
Breathing is not an addition to kata. It is part of the technique.
Breathing affects:
- body tension
- rhythm
- power generation
- concentration
- transitions between movements
- kime
In some kata breathing is clearly marked, especially in Sanchin and Tenshō. In other kata breathing is more natural, but it should still be coordinated with movement.
Rhythm
Kata should not be performed at one constant speed from beginning to end. Rhythm shifts between preparation, movement, acceleration, kime and return to readiness.
A technically mature kata shows the difference between:
- slow control
- fast technique
- a short pause
- a powerful finish
- a soft transition
- explosive movement
Kime
Kime (決め) is technical concentration at the finish. In kata, kime should not be understood as stiffness. It is a brief moment in which body, technique, breathing and intent coincide.
Kime should be clear but not exaggerated.
Zanshin
Zanshin means remaining awareness. In kata, it means that the practitioner does not mentally release the technique after the finish.
Zanshin is visible in:
- the gaze
- posture
- control between techniques
- readiness for the next movement
- the conclusion of the kata
Bunkai
Bunkai is the analysis of kata. It is not about inventing an elaborate explanation for every movement, but understanding the practical principles trained by the kata.
Bunkai should be connected to:
- distance
- direction
- blocking
- control
- attack
- breaking balance
- movement
- body line
Common misunderstandings
- That kata is only a memory sequence.
- That every movement must represent a separate opponent.
- That faster kata is automatically better kata.
- That power means tension throughout the whole body.
- That bunkai should be more advanced than the kata itself.
- That kata can be understood without kihon, dachi and breathing.
Comment
Kata should be trained with the same seriousness as kihon and kumite. A kata without form becomes careless. A kata without function becomes empty. A kata that unites form and function becomes a technical centre of karate practice.