Essence of kata
By Angela Prest
Kata (the Japanese kanji above) is made from three basic characters; the top left means 'shape', top right means 'cut' and the bottom one means 'ground'. Therefore kata literally translated means a shape which cuts the ground. Kata is also known as mold, model, style, shape or more commonly regarded as form. It is the art of combining techniques in sequence where all movements are either defensive or counter attacks against multiple imaginary opponents, with no wasted effort- It is a method of linking kihon (basic techniques) and kumite (fighting/sparring) aspects of karate with no training partner required.
Kata has been compared to a DNA molecule; large amounts of information are encoded and passed on to the next generation, in this case karateka (karate student). For this reason kata is often the least understood aspect of karate, it often looks like a dance to the untrained eye. Kata were first used to teach warriors the methods of battle where killer techniques were hidden within the kata. There are differences in kata from style to style; Tai Shi Kai karate is based on Wado-Ryu syllabus where the founder, Ohtsuka Hironori (10th Dan Meijin) focused on nine kata. Other kata have been added to the Tai Shi Kai syllabus to make a total of 16 kata practised. These kata are Kihon Sugata, 1-5 Pinan kata, Ku Shan Ku, Nai Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai, Jion, Jette, Rohai, Ni Seishi and Wanshu.
Kihon Sugata (means basic form) and is an introductory kata for beginners using basic techniques, allowing for an easy transition to higher level kata. PinanKata (peaceful mind form). It is generally accepted that the Pinan kata were developed by rearranging and breaking down more advanced kata. The five Pinan kata illustrate different principles which are summed up into Ku Shan Ku- Nai Hanchi and Seishan sum with Ku Shan Ku into Chinto (see diagram below).
In Wado-Ryu karate the second kata (Pinan Nidan) is studied first because of the difficulty and number of moves of Pinan Shodan. The order is Pinan Nidan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan. There have been many proposed translations for the rest of the kata practised including the following: Ku ShanKu ('a look toward heaven' or 'a view to the sky'), Nai Hanchi ('iron horse'), Seishan (' 13 movements or defences') which includes semi-circular stances (hangetsu = half moon), Chinto ('fighting toward the east' or 'a crane on a rock' or 'to restore calm'), Bassai ('to penetrate a fortress'), Jion ('to love the sound') named after a Buddhist temple Jion-je, Jette ('ten hands'), Rohai ('mirror of the soul'), Ni Seishi ('the 24 steps'), and Wanshu ('dumping form' or 'excellent or incredible arms'). For a more comprehensive insight into the origins and meanings of the kata names refer to the Tai Shi Kai Karate Dojo Manual.
Kata is often divided into four elements:
- kamae: position of the entire body, both physical and psychological, both stance and mental attitude
- waza: technique, including katachi (form), sokvdo (speed), kime (focus), nagare (flow), sekaku (accuracy) and kyokyu (breathing)
- kiai: the meeting of internal power or spiritual meeting. The shout emitted by the karateka at certain stages of the kata where the body is tensed and the whole energy of the body is released with the shout and technique, focusing mind and body
- zanshin: state of alertness or awareness, remaining aware until back to original position where the form started
Each of these kata has its own character, some are slow and solid and others are quick and have a very light feel to them- Others are more graceful and flowing in nature whilst some are performed very slowly with great muscle tension. Changes in the general layout of kata has not changed considerably, but technical rhythm, speed and underlying spirit have been modified to change it's character. Many years ago karateka often practised for three to six years to enable it to be mastered before moving on to a higher kata- Gichin Funakoshi only taught 15 kata for individual practice, often nothing else was practiced for training. Emphasising the importance to learn one form correctly rather than learn many insufficiently. Through repetition the mind will subconsciously take control of your movements and they will become second nature. Hironori Ohtsuka says "some falsely believe that mastery and progress come by knowing as many kata as possible. In the older days, one knew only about two or three at the most. Even to use one kata properly and efficiently is not an easy task. One must remember that it is quality over quantity when practising any kata".
As a karateka moves higher up in the grades they will gain an appreciation for the bunkai (applications) involved (hidden within the kata). Basic scenarios can be taught to the karateka, but this is only meant to encourage and open the mind of the student to the many other possibilities for each techniques. It is important to understand the meaning of the form and then practise it, imagining an opponent is there. It is believed that a well performed kata is more exhausting, physically and mentally, than three minutes of sparring against a real opponent I often came across kata no rokugensoku (six principles of kata) which sums up the aims of kata practice and shows the many aspects that can make it exhausting.
- Ikita Kata: Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose
- Inen: Kata must be performed with spirit
- Chikara no Kyojaku: Kata should be done with changes in application and power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.
- Waza no Kankyu: Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow
- Kisoku no Donto: Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing, knowing when to inhale and exhale
- Balance: Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of kata
Kata practise can benefit karateka of all ages because it helps build body strength, balance, agility, co-ordination, footwork, correct breathing, and self defence techniques in areas such as speed, timing, mental concentration, awareness, spirit and stamina. It is a battle with oneself, constantly trying to improve one's techniques in kata will indirectly improve one's mind, body and spirit. There are no short cuts to perfecting character, as there are none to making your kata become alive. It is the effort you put into it, the applications imagined and the lessons you leam that make the kata your own- The beauty of kata is that you can practise it anywhere and anytime; you carry it with you everywhere you go.
