Free Web space and hosting from freewebspace.com
Search the Web

BRITISH WADO KARATE DO FEDERATION

KATA

There is an old saying in Japan "Kata Hitotsu Sannen" - One form in three years

This emphasises the fact that it is more important to master one form correctly than to learn many forms insufficiently.

The Japanese character for kata can be written in two ways

1) Suggests a fixed form that cannot be changed.

2) Indicates an organised form or shape that has a degree of flexibility, allowing it to be adapted to suit any situation.

Once a shape or outward appearance of a kata is mastered, its essence can be used to meet or overcome any force. This is the true secret of kata.

Six Principles of Kata

Kata must be alive, with feeling.

Must have "Spirit".

Power, strong and weak, hard and soft.

Timing, fast and slow.

Breathing rhythm, in and out.

Balance.

You must not practice 'dead' Kata. An opponent must be visualised at all times, actually imaging striking your opponent. Within Kata there are fast and slow movements. Show each combination and pause slightly before doing the next technique, be aware of the principles of Zanshin (mental awareness).

At the begining a student will be concentrating on the movements within the Kata. As the student advances in his abilities the body begins to learn these movements, when this happens the student should then begin to perform the kata without conscious thought. When this ability is established the student should concentrate on mind development when performing Kata, ie: 'moving meditation'.

Fluidity of movement should be found. Relax throughout the movement and only tense upon impact, then again relax. This relaxing and tensing method will produce a crisp, snapping, technique.

The key to speed is relaxation. The muscles of the human body work antagonistically. In order for a muscle to produce movement a corresponding muscle must relax, as in the Bicep and Tricep of the arm. The Tricep must relax so that the Bicep can tense (contract) to produce the desired movement. If you are already relaxed then the tensing of the muscle will be instantaneous, fast, fluid, crisp movement will appear. To be tense all of the time is to waste energy, only movement that is necessary should be done. Don't over extend yourself or you will become off balance.

Katas of Wado Ryu