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Continue readingThe first kata in the Taikyoku series.
Kata, or "forms", are used to practice and demonstrate mastery of the basics (kihon) in a choreographed pattern. The practice of kata does not limit itself to martial arts. In fact, any skill that has a choreographed pattern or routine, from karate to gymnastics to serving tea can have forms that may be considered "kata". The purpose of kata, however, is manifold.
The first purpose for learning kata is to train the mind and muscles to use certain sequences through repetition. Kata performed by a novice will often seem forced and slow; but as a practitioner progresses, their kata will become fluid and appear natural. To accomplish this, one must continuously return to their practice of their forms with attention to details.
If martial arts were to be compared to a tree, the kihon would be the roots and kata would be the trunk. If it were a house, kihon is the footing and kata is the foundation. Knowledge of the basics are crucial for any form. But just as the kata requires the kihon, the knowledge of a martial art is built upon its forms. The ways in which kata sequence its movements demonstrates not only the mastery of the techniques, but also reinforces the philosophies of the art. This is why kata is often used to teach the kohai. Thus, the second purpose of kata is to preserve the art and teach it to future generations.
As you practice a kata try to understand it as more than just a sequence of movements. Take the time to pay attention to every detail. Even if you've performed it a thousand times, take the time to truly understand its movements. Learn the techniques that the kata is designed to be used with or against. Think through the sequences that may lead up to that portion of the kata. Practice small portions of the sequences. Practice it slowly. Practice it quickly. And as you progress and learn more kata you will begin to see ways in which sequences from one kata naturally flow into those of others. This is the process of internalizing the forms of the art, which is the third purpose for learning and practicing kata.
Understand that there are many kata and many different styles of martial arts. Many kata cross between systems of the same martial arts, and some even cross multiple arts. Do not be afraid to study kata variations to your style once you have mastered the ones that you are studying (at the direction of your sensei, of course). Understanding the variations will help you to understand how another style applies the concepts that you have learned and may give you insights into how to apply or counteract them in sparring or competitions.
Introduced by Gichin Funakoshi, the Taikyoku series of kata reflect influences from the Chinese philosophy of taiji. This article is not about the concept of taiji, but for the purposes of studying the kata initially you should understand that it is essentially a state of "unlimited potential". Funakoshi introduced the series as a way to simplify the heian and pinan kata series.
The taikyoku series is extremely easy to learn and simple to teach as each of the kata in the series follows the same path.
If performing the kata in front of others, especially if you are giving a presentation, perform a ritsu-rei at the beginning (before stating the name of the kata) and at the completion.
Always begin a kata by stating the name of the kata from yoi dachi.
As soon as the last step is completed return to yoi dachi.