Kata training
Introduction
Kata should be trained gradually. First the student learns the sequence. Then stances, direction, technique, breathing, rhythm, power, kime, zanshin and bunkai are developed.
A kata should not be forced. It should be built.
Step 1: Sequence
First, the student must know the order of the movements.
This phase trains:
- start and finish
- basic directions
- footwork
- turns
- techniques
- kiai points
- approximate embusen
The goal is not speed. The goal is not to lose the form.
Step 2: Stances and direction
Once the sequence is established, the student should check the quality of the stances.
Focus on:
- foot placement
- knee direction
- hip position
- weight distribution
- body posture
- centre line
- start and finish point
Step 3: Technique
Then each technique is reviewed.
Focus on:
- impact surface
- line
- height
- hikite
- shoulders
- hips
- kime
- finish
The technique should be the same technique as in kihon, but placed within the movement of the kata.
Step 4: Breathing
When the form is stable, clearer breathing control is added. Breathing should support movement, not disturb it.
In breathing kata this must be trained from the beginning, but even there the student should first understand stance and body line.
Step 5: Rhythm
Rhythm develops when the student no longer needs to think about every step. Kata should then alternate between slow control, fast technique, pause, kime and transition.
Step 6: Bunkai
When the kata form is sufficiently stable, bunkai can be trained more systematically.
Bunkai should begin simply:
- what is the direction?
- what does the technique protect?
- what does the technique attack?
- where is the body's centre?
- what happens to the opponent's balance?
Step 7: Independent kata
In independent kata, the student should show that the form is carried from within. This means sequence, direction, breathing and rhythm are no longer dependent on the instructor's counting.
Training methods
- slow kata
- kata with counting
- kata without counting
- footwork only
- hand techniques only
- technical phrases
- kata with breathing focus
- kata with kime focus
- kata with bunkai
- kata after physical fatigue
Common errors
- The student learns too many kata too quickly.
- The student knows the sequence but lacks stances.
- The student performs kata quickly to hide technical weaknesses.
- The student does not breathe.
- The student forgets zanshin.
- The student trains kata as performance rather than karate.
- The student does not connect kata with kihon and kumite.
Comment
Kata requires long-term repetition. It is better to perform one kata with technical understanding than to know many kata superficially. A kata trained correctly influences the whole of karate practice.