13 Fundamental Points in kata

Extracted from http://www.shitokai.com/kata.php - a Good reading and Knowledge source

In this section, we are going to read about thirteen very fundamental points in kata that must be considered while practicing kata.

Yooi no kishin- Readiness, concentration, will, and determination against opponent before starting kata.

In'yo - Active and passive (i.e. knowing whether you are attacking or defending).

Chikara no kyojaku - Correct method in using power, the amount of power used for each kata movement and position.

Waza no kankyu - Speed used in each kata movement and position.

Tai no shinshoku - the amount of contraction and expansion for each movement.

Kokyu - Breathing, right exhalation and inhalation in each kata movement.

Chakugan - Look spot, considering the aim and destination of technique.

Kiai - Shout, in one or more certain points, shout shows the soul of fight of kata. Additionally, the whole conducted power is released.

Hyoshi - Rythm. Proper accentuation and flow of the movement of kata and each combination of kata.

Kime - Focal point or Focus refers to the concentration of all the energy of the body in the instant a particular technique( blocks, kicks, punches and...)makes contact with its target.

Antei - Balance. Stability, adjusting, figure and using the proper and correct stance in each movement.

Keitai no hoji - Using each technique in its proper place.

Zanshin - Being fully aware, being in guard position at the end of kata. Looking towards the side kata is finished.

Today we can see that many karatekas do not practice kata seriously and do not realize the usage of kata. In fact, it is true that kata will be useable only for those who have studied it deeply and have perfect recognition.

Rey (Bow)

At the beginning and at the end of the kata, one bows. This is part of the kata. When doing kata successively, bow at the every beginning and at the completion of the final kata.

Different forms of kata practices

Extracted from http://www.shitokai.com/kata.php

Different forms of kata practices

1. Slow, without concentration (relax) performed as warm up.
2. Quick, without concentration (relax) in order to keep the moments of kata in mind.
3. Quick, powerful with Kime. The movements are performed one by one. This form is suitable in-group class.
4. With the real speed and rhythm of kata and kime. This is the real kata the same as real combat.
5. Slow, with contraction of muscles, performed as an exercise to strengthen the muscles.
6. Slow, relax along with deep breathing, feeling Hara in each movement like Tai Chi Chuan.
7. Symmetry movements, if kata is started from the left, try starting from the right.
8. Converse performance (i.e. perform from the end to the beginning). This is done in advance level of kata practice.
9. Selecting some parts of a kata and repeating them constantly.
10. Close-eyed performing.

A number of things can be said about kata. Below you will find some points that help to better learning and performing of kata:

• Do not try to do all the movements quickly. It has to be noted that each movement requires its own speed and position.
• Lower the hips and have pressure on Hara, you can shorten the distance between your anus and navel.
• Close your mouth and prevent contracting the muscles of your face.
• Keep your body upright all the time.
• Move your whole body as a unit and not partly.
• Be fully aware of the connection between kata and practice and kumite.
• Practice over and over.

Kata

Extracted from http://www.shitokai.com/kata.php

Kata

"Regardless of how many kata a person may know, if his training in them is
insufficient, they will be useless."

Mabuni Kenwa - 1989-1952 A principle founder of modern karate and
originator of the Shito School of Karatedo.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kata means form. For many years, all major and fundamental points, blocks, strikes, kicks, punches and basic techniques have been formed. Katas have series of points and techniques selected concisely and each has a specific and deep inner meaning.

Kata is the base and point of karate. There are primary principles and fundamentals of Karate in Katas that briefly are the position of body, stances, foot works, tai sabaki, changing directions, timing, breathing, kiai, as well as a correct mental behavior.

Kata alone is a combat against some imaginary opponents on whom karate techniques are done. Therefore, the morals of the individuals during kata are of great importance. Practicing kata continuously, you will realize the real meaning of karate techniques. This knowledge allows you to show correct reaction automatically and in any situation against any attack. Moreover, kata consists of a kumite strategy.

Practicing a kata, one should constantly focus on his opponent(s) and do the movements with the highest strength and care, as his life (being alive) depends on doing the techniques in the best possible way. This sort of practicing unifies body and mind. In other words, we can call it feeling, touching and living of kata. However, it has to be noted that some techniques are dangerous but practicing them in kata gives you a control of power and therefore, you gain enough power to control these techniques before using them in kumite.

Katas practiced concisely and correctly, teach the trainer the real purpose of master in creating and doing them. That's why kata is counted as one of the most important points in karate.

-- for more details refer to the above website -- recommended reading

Rei.

Foundation movement in Kata

Etracted from http://www.shitokai.com/tenshin-happo.php - visit the website for more infomation Tenshin/Happo (Eight directional Movement)
Tenshin/Happo is a formal shitoryu kihon practice, shift the body and apply the techniques on the eight main directions. Start from Yoi position, begin from the left gamae, back to the Yoi position and apply on the right side as well. Please follow the numbers and look at the graphs.