Exercise the Karate Way - with Kata

In Karate and other forms of martial arts there are series of movements that the artist performs alone called Kata. These forms may look peculiar to some people. It may seem odd watching a martial artist battle an imaginary opponent or opponents in a grassy field in the park. But these forms are not to be taken lightly, they can increase stamina, defense and offense ability, and speed.

Many of today's martial artists do not believe that the study of Kata is important. Many feel that the ancient forms of kata do not translate well into modern self defense. However, I disagree. I also feel that kata is something that everyone should learn no matter how old you are or what physical shape you are in.

Even today's 'new' martial arts such as Krav Maga have specific forms that are practiced at regular frequency. The movements for a basic front choke are practiced regularly regardless of the martial artist's experience level. A black belt in Krav Maga must practice the same self-defense techniques as a yellow belt in order to maintain proficiency, speed and stamina.

These forms which are practiced with two or more people in Krav Maga, aren't they also a form of kata? They may not call it kata. They may not have the same number of moves that traditional karate kata have, but they are still a series of forms that must be practiced to maintain one's martial ability. It's the same in many other forms of martial arts, in JuJitsu is there not a series of moves to get a person into an arm bar? These series of forms and movements have to be practiced to gain speed, agility, endurance and technical expertise.

I enjoy learning classical kata. I do understand the importance of self defense forms learned in Krav Maga and other martial arts.. I think learning and maintaining my abilities in classical kata aids in my mental sharpness, respect for the marital arts, and my physical well being. Having to think about the next moves, or imagining how to apply the moves, or why a series of moves came to be important keeps my mind active. Working on the transitions in body movements, aids in my well being.. For instance the martial artist will need to understand how transit from a forward stance, rotate 180 degrees to a cat stance. Performing some kata requires great technique in breathing. There are some kata that I am actually gasping for breath after performing.

Kata is not just for empty hand techniques. There are many katas that contain the use of weapons. Practicing kata with weapons helps the martial artist understand how to handle the different weapons. The weapons may appear to be simple weapons, but the application of them can be very difficult. Kata aids in the application.

For the young martial artist: learning kata may seem unnecessary at first. Remember though that they have a purpose and they are very important to learn. Practice your kata everyday and practice with intensity. Imagine how the kata would look if you were battling another opponent.

Perhaps the greatest thing about learning karate kata, is that anyone, at any age in any physical shape can start. However, start with the basic katas first. Spend a few months learning a kata. Practice everyday then as you feel comfortable, start learning a new one. However, don't stop practicing the kata you first learned. It can take many years of practice to perfect a kata. Start by going to the library and getting a book or video on karate. Start learning the open hand kihon (basic) kata. Then move onto the Pinan (also referred to as Heinan) kata. Learn the first ten moves in the kata the first couple of weeks, then add another ten. Don't try to learn all of the kata the first attempt.

Remember perfect practice make perfect!