Get Real!

What is Kata to you? First, we have to ask "What is Kata in general?". A kata is a predetermined set of defensive and offensive moves, almost always beginning with a defensive move. Kata utilises blocks, strikes, body movements, hip movements and leg movements.

With this sort of a definition, you could look at Kata as a dance of sorts. An artistic series of moves, used to express the feelings of the performer. While this is somewhat true, it is not what Kata is.

To truly understand what Kata is, and what Kata means, you have to understand the times that they were created in, and why. In Feudal Japan, warriors would train in flat valleys, and were constantly watched by the enemy. In order to not be predictable on the battle field, they put the techniques they would use into Kata. Within Kata, there are obvious techniques, and hidden techniques. Moves that look like they wouldn't work in combat are used to hide certain techniques from the enemy.

With all of this said, we use Kata for the same purpose. We train Kata to sharpen our techniques, and increase speed and power, focus and movement. Even so, some of us become laxidasical in our Kata, simply viewing it as a fancy dance, or some cool moves. The techniques are sloppy, or weak, because we just see Kata as a destination, rather than a journey. Something to learn, rather than something to perfect. We just want to get it over with, and move on. This isn't what Kata is. Every move should be crisp, powerful, and concise. Every part of the sequence should be performed as if you are defending yourself from a dangerous attacker, whose aim is to kill you. If you don't block, you will get hit. If you don't attack, you will get attacked first. If you don't throw, you will get pushed to the dirt.

Kata should be done strongly, but not in anger. You shouldn't visualize somebody you dislike attacking you, or the techniques will become angry, and while, may become more powerful, will become sloppy, and technique will fade. It will turn out more like a brawl, than a controlled offense.

The next time you do Taikyoku Shodan, remember this. It's not just down blocks and punches, or wrist releases and counterstrikes. It's You defending yourself from a malicious attacker. Make it strong, make it fast, make it concise, make it efficient, make it real. If it's not real to you, it's not real to anyone watching.

Until next time, stay blessed.
~Alex