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.