I believe and teach that techniques in various manifestations can be found in every inch of every movement within any Kata.  I believe that these techniques can be categorised into the following levels;

1. Primary Applications - obvious interpretation of the actual technique shown

2. Secondary Applications - Alternative applications (inside the mirror)

3. Tertiary Applications - Hidden applications (pressure points, datum's, set-up's, etc...)

Each movement in the Kata (application) needs to be analysed thinking about;

1. Target of the application (maybe obvious; may be disguised).

2. Direction and Angle of attack/defence - front, back, all possible angles of the compass.

3. Weapon used (body part) - hands, feet, knees, elbows, fingers, head, teeth, shoulders, forearms, etc....

4. Strength (force) of application - hard, soft, thrusting, prolonged, initial or delayed.

5. Body Position  - lateral, medial, supine, erect, anterior, superior, proximal & distal.

I call it PST Kata Theory and I hope it helps others unlock some of what my Shihan has helped me personally unlock with my Kata practice.  Why call it PST theory.  Well, remember when you used to tell secrets as a kid and you would place your index finger on your lips and make the noise pst I've got  a secret to tell you.  Well I've got a secret to tell you!  My secret is that Kata contains no secrets, just lots of discovery:

Tips to help unlock the PST applications from your Kata.

1. Take your Kata practice live with your partner to uncover secondary and tertiary applications.

2. Imagine every move in reverse and inside out.

3. Remember a punch is a block and a block is a punch.

4. Look for grappling techniques.

5. Look for dirty techniques.

6. Be aware of double movements.

7. Throws and balance displacement techniques are linked with all footwork and stances.

8. What is the first part of the primary technique - i.e. knee lift for a front kick.

9. What is happening on the inside line of each technique.

10. Look out for datum finding techniques.

11. Change the pace and rhythm of the techniques - use a video.

12. Relax and have fun.  Make it a game to unleash your creative genius!

To stimulate your thinking please watch this video of Nathan Johnson Sensei performing exact naifuanchin kata applications with a live partner while another partner performs the Kata at his left side.  It is an excellent tool to help with primary and secondary application identification.  Could you do this with your training partners and working on your specific styles Kata?

More to come.......................Hope this gets you thinking and re-engaging with your Kata!

Peter Reilly Sensei 2007

(Based on the teaching of Shihan Tim Reilly, my Sensei and the BFO's shared by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy)