A day to learn, a life time to master!
I believe karate kata is the soul of karate, but learning karate kata, can be difficult, frustrating, disappointing and many people miss the true meaning of the kata.
At first and only at first, think of a karate kata as a wood carver would think of a new carving. Let us say the wood carver is going to carve a beautiful tiger, they would have the piece of wood ready, obviously looking nothing like a tiger.
They would then start carving, after a while, you would see the basic shape of the tiger, but it would still look pretty rough. Gradually the carver would chip away at the wood, until a perfect tiger is revealed.
Technically, you and your karate kata, are the same as the wood carver and their wood.
1. The first objective with a new kata, is to simply piece together the moves, so you can get through the whole kata slowly, it may look rough, but you know what move goes where and in what direction.
2. Now is the time to start working on each individual karate technique. Try and get a technical understanding of each karate move and know the application for each technique.
3. Now repeat each kata move, slowly and fast, working on technique and meaning (application). When you practice the moves fast, imagine each karate technique is your last and your life depends on it!
4. Each karate kata has a unique rhythm. Timing varies from kata to kata, but once you understand the meaning, the timing will become clear.
5. Now you understand the technique, meaning and timing, it is time to practice the whole kata. At first, try and apply the timing whilst going through the kata slowly, then as you get more confident, speed up.
6. Now it is time for repetition and attention to the small details. By now you should have a good understanding of your new karate kata.
7. Application and partner work. This is where you can practice the karate techniques of the kata against an opponents attacks. The first way, is to defend against an attack, using the techniques, just as they are in the kata. The second way is to take the karate moves out of the kata and use them in self defense situations, where the techniques may vary from the original form.
So there is seven tips on shotokan karate kata practice. I hope they help and remember the saying, ‘karate kata! A day to learn, a life time to master’.
