student's Section

KATA

Definition and Purpose of Kata

Kata is a formal set of defensive and offensive techniques performed in a particular sequence, which has been developed, codified and improved by karate-do masters through the course of several centuries.

Each set is made up of carefully selected elements, which have a profound, meaning. Each stance, movement or technique is the most suitable one under the circumstances for it has been repeatedly tested in innumerable occasions of real fighting over matters of life and death.

A kata is performed alone against imaginary opponents. Its purpose is to develop every aspect of karate-do; postures, body movements, techniques, and mental attitudes. The dedicated practice of kata leads to a deep understanding of the techniques of karate-do. It develops the ability to use these techniques and to respond almost automatically to any kind of attack in any situation. In addition, kata contains all the various strategies of fighting.

The practice of kata is the best way to develop the spirit and mental attitude essentials to karate-do. In kata one must constantly imagine his opponents and perform each movement and technique with all one's spirit and force, as if death would result from improper execution. This kind of practice helps to achieve a complete union of mind and body.

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Advantages of Kata

• Kata is an excellent physical conditioning exercise.
• Its complete execution usually takes only one to two minutes. So even very busy people can practise it.
• Performance of kata requires very little space and hence can be practiced in an apartment, office or anywhere.
• Being practised alone, kata can be performed accordingly to one's physical condition.
• It is a particularly suitable exercise for women, older persons and sick people as it can be adjusted to their own needs and goals.
• There are no chances of injury even though one practices the potentially dangerous techniques.
• The practise still allows the student to gain enough technical knowledge to be able to control his own techniques and to protect himself before practising with another person.

Disadvantages of Kata

The following points are considered "disadvantages" of kata,
if an Individual practices only kata and nothing else..

• There is a limited number of techniques used in katas.
• There are no fancy techniques in katas.
• Kiai is also limited in katas.
• Since there is no real opponent, a student cannot learn to judge the fighting distance (maai) and one is not pressed hard to defend or attack.
• In a karate demonstration if only katas are shown, it will get boring for the spectators and will also not project the art of karate-do as a whole.
• Since there is no physical contact with a partner, the student practising only kala cannot get body conditioning.
• As the movements are preset, a student practising only kata cannot develop the freedom of movement and the flow of his favourite techniques, which is so essential in an actual fighting situation.