KATA IS NOT A DANCE ROUTINE

Dear  Shihan (Master) Warren:
I have watched karate students training in a class. I understand the relevance of the fighting techniques, but when the students practice their kata (forms), it looks like a dance routine to me.  How will kata help you in a situation if you need to defend yourself?

Reply:

The kata (forms) aspect of the karate training is a sequence of basic fighting techniques against an imaginary opponent. It is muck like what boxers call shadow boxing. Each movement and technique has a purpose. Each fighting movement flows into the next fighting technique without a break. It requires personal endurance, great discipline, many years of training and constant repetition to master each kata.  Once a level of technical proficiency has been achieved, the kata takes on a new meaning which will become second nature to the karate student.  It will enable the karateka (student) to be able to develop a state of awareness so as to sense the movements of his/her opponents and to react with instinctive blinding speed and absolute control.

The methodology behind kata training is to make the karateka feel uninhibited because s/he is working against an imaginary opponent and therefore does not have to fear being injured or injuring someone else during training. During this process, the karateka develops and refines his/her motor skills, coordination, stances and breathing.  The karateka becomes aware of a strength that s/he was perhaps never aware of and the outward display and underlying rhythm of the kata becomes secondary to the manifestation of the inner power of the karateka.

In addition to the defensive aspect, kata training provides an excellent cadio vascular workout resulting in a fusion of fitness, flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and balance.

Shihan Warren Levi holds a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He has a Bachelors degree in Physical Education/Exercise Physiology. He has won numerous World titles. Shihan Warren can be contacted at warrenlevikarate@gmail.com or 516-569-0808.