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.

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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.