Video courtesy of Paul Walker
Video courtesy of Kanazawa Kancho
Kata is a preset sequence of moves against imaginary opponents using successful, tried and trusted techniques
It is important for Karateka to visualise these imaginary opponents and to understand the purpose of the techniques employed, this is often refered to as Bunkai
In kata the karateka starts to consider and understand how these techniques may apply to their kihon against real opponents
Kata is the vital link that brings together both kihon and kumite by allowing the karateka to express their karate in a way that kihon does not and importantly, without the risk of injuring an opponent that is inherent in kumite
Nakayama Sensei's six principles of Kata
1) Kata is a set series of moves in a predefined order
2) Kata should start and finish in the same place
3) Know and understand each technique and its application
4) Targeting - consider each technique's aiming points
5) Kimae - Focus, the coming together of timing, power and good technique
6) Breathing - a crucial element in delivering powerful techniques
Each kata has an Embusen which refers to the point at which the kata starts and finishes and the shape or line of the kata. For example the Heian kata all have an I shaped Embusen while the Tekki kata have a straight line Embusen
Sensei Paul Walker (SKIF 6th Dan) has published a series of informative walkthough kata videos on his Youtube channel Shotokan Sensei he has kindly permitted SSSK to link directly to them; just click the Red icons.
The Green icons are linked to Kanazawa Kancho's famous kata videos.
Please use these videos as a reference point only and not as a substitute for regular training and kata practice.
Taikyoku - First Cause
Heian - Peaceful Mind
Tekki - Iron Horse
Advanced Kata - Shodan
Advanced Kata - Nidan
Advanced Kata - Sandan
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