Thoughts on Kata

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Here are few interesting pieces from various sources and friends, that support the practice of Kata.  However Kata for Kata's sake is dangerous.  We need to embrace training with a non-compliant partner to draw out all of possibilities contained within our Kata.

Keep searching...................

 

 

Kirikaeshi trains the body ... Kata teaches principles and methods.

Competitive participation is the ultimate aim of modern Kendo, which means that Shinai Kendo is the main focus of Keiko.  Nihon Kendo Kata is practised almost exclusively for passing examinations to advance to a higher grade, with the result that once the grading is over, the Nihon Kendo Kata is forgotten.  For serious Kendoists, however, the study of Kata is essential and learning Nihon Kendo Kata is the first step in this process.  Through Kata, you will learn the following:

  1. Correct posture

  2. A clear eye – the ability to perceive an opponent’s intentions

  3. Correct line of sword movement

  4. Speed of movement

  5. Accuracy of strikes and thrusts

  6. An understanding of the proper maai for strikes and thrusts

  7. A means of developing kigurai (noble bearing, pride and dignity)

  8. A means of developing kiai (projection of fighting spirit into a shout or cry, giving voice to your breath)

  9. An understanding of when opportunity is right to strike or thrust

  10. Various waza

Regular practice of Kata before Keiko will improve the level of your Shinai Keiko as well as enrich its quality.

Ozawa, H (1991) - Kendo – the definitive guide - Kodansha International : Tokyo

 

 

Why do we Practice Kata?

The practice of Kata will assist the student in a multitude of areas greatly enhancing the students technical skill level.

 

Below I have listed some of the important attributes of Kata practice.

 

1    Teaches defensive & offensive techniques.

2.    Enhances the student's balance, both stationary and mobile.

3.    Teaches proper rhythm and timing since each kata has it's own particular pace of action.

4.    Teaches and constantly reinforces the 5 basic methods of developing power as well as other methods known as power enhancers.

5.    Teaches breath control before, during and after the kata is performed.

6.    Teaches both simple and complex bio-mechanical maneuvers.

7.    Teaches visualization.

8.    Teaches focus (Zanshin.)

9.    Teaches expansion/contraction / relaxation/tension.

10.   Teaches grace through performing the movements of the kata.

11.   Teaches eye or visual control when facing one or multiple opponents.

12.   Teaches the use of proper strength application.

13.   Teaches anatomical vulnerable target areas of the human body.

14.   Teaches the proper application of the bodies impacting tools.

15.   Teaches control through proper muscular synchronization and breathing.

16.   Teaches methods of advancing and retreating (stepping).

17.   Teaches the embusen (performance line) of the kata.

18.   Teaches proper effective posturing (stances).

19.   Teaches stance transitions.

20.   Teaches continuity of movement.

21.   Teaches economy of motion.

22.   Teaches irimi-waza (entering techniques).

23.   Teaches the components and themes of the kata.

24.   Teaches the application principles encrypted within the kata.

 

Kumite
(Competition Sparring Matches - All Dojo Sparring - even RBSD)		 Kata Bunkai
(Realistic training) 
  1. Mutual arranged combat   
  2. Must face your opponent straight on 
  3. Referee to control the match, beginning to end
  4. A strict limitation on techniques allowed 
  5. Only impacting techniques allowed 
  6. Conducted with both opponents facing & ready
  7. Particular target areas strictly enforced  
  8. Dangerous attacks (techniques) forbidden
  9. At least some protective gear worn 
  10. Joint strikes & kicks are strictly forbidden
  11. Weight & age classes strictly enforced 
  12. May strike only once when grabbing an opponent 
  13. Dangerous Pressure point attacks forbidden  
  14. Throws are forbidden       
  15. Ground techniques seldom taught & are forbidden
  16. No biting, spitting, pinching, poking, etc, allowed  
  17. Mind-set limited to only one opponent 
  18. No need to learn break-falling techniques 
  19. Kicking below waist generally forbidden
  20. Multiple techniques limited by referee
  21. Great limitations on techniques allowed.   
  1. Attacks may come from any angle
  2. Unexpected attacks
  3. Self-control on applications to avoid injury or death
  4. Anything goes, absolutely no limitations.
  5. Both Impacting and Seizing techniques are encouraged
  6. Attacks will come from the front, back or side.
  7. All target areas allowed and encouraged
  8. Specifically, encourages dangerous techniques
  9. No protective gear is worn
  10. Joint attacks are highly encouraged
  11. Weight and age will seldom be in your favour
  12. Multiple strikes encouraged after grabbing.
  13. Dangerous Pressure point attacks highly encouraged
  14. Throws are used and highly encouraged
  15. Ground techniques are taught and applied
  16. Simulation of biting, spitting, pinching, poking, encouraged.
  17. Must maintain mind-set for multiple opponent attacks.
  18. Learning break-falling techniques extremely important.
  19. Seldom if ever kicking above the waist.
  20. Multiple techniques allowed & encouraged.
  21. Virtually all techniques in a martial syllabus allowed.
 

 

 

 

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