ARTICLES

Working Kata

By Steve Bodnar

In order to begin to understand a kata, we must work it thousands upon thousands of times.  But, of course, we know that we ‘do’ as we ‘practice’.  So how can you ensure that you will train your body, mind, and spirit to learn the true essence of the kata?

Where then do we begin to really ‘Work the Kata’?

First, realize that improvements occur at different rates during your training.  For example there will be substantial improvement as you begin to work the kata.  Later, as we strive for perfection of the form, the improvements will be more suttle.  It is interesting to note that these seemingly minute changes are more significant towards overall achievement than the dramatic improvement demonstrated early in the training process.

Once we know the kata’s basic stances, movements, and so forth; an effort to refine the physical aspects becomes important.  One training technique is to use ‘micro study’ in which you move through each step of the kata in slow-motion.  Take the time after each action to review your stance, the position of your hands, your head position.  Correct any imperfections.  Remember that we must train our muscles to do the techniques properly.

Another technique to employ is to ‘burn through the kata’.  Do each movement as quickly as possible.  Don’t worry about exact form.  Were there any areas in the kata where you hesitated or stumbled?  This is a part of the kata that you should focus your training efforts.  This technique will also help you relax through the kata, giving you a little more flow.

Take the time to understand what you are doing on each technique.  You are not simply doing a 90 degree turn into zenkutsu dachi and doing a downblock with the right hand, stepping forward and executing a sieken with the left fist to the jodan level . . . as you see an attacker approaching to your right, you turn and deflect an attacker’s driving front kick with a down block and follow up with a smashing punch to your attacker’s face.  Once you realize that you are not simply moving through motions, but performing a simulation of an actual fight, you will achieve a higher level of understanding of the kata.  This will translate into improvement.

When working the kata, try to focus on two or three things at a time, particularly in the beginning.  Otherwise, you will be overwhelmed with the items you want to improve and will in fact reduce your efficiency.

It still requires thousands upon thousands of repetition to truly learn a kata, but these techniques will assist you along the way.