Okinawan Kata

In Karate one training method for practitioners to develop speed, power, timing, rhythm, footwork, balance, and reflexes is Karate kata. Karate kata, also known as Okinawan kata and Karate forms, is defined as fighting movements performed against imaginary opponents in a prearranged sequence of defensive and offensive karate techniques.  Although, the practitioner is not actually striking anything the imagination of the practitioner is such that the speed and power is present as if an opponent or opponents are truly there. This is called focus. Using focus and determination in each Karate kata movement builds proficiency and expertise in Karate techniques. All of this is necessary for the development of armed or unarmed fighting skills or Combat self-defense. 

Learning concentration, breathing techniques, and discipline are a few of the many benefits gained from practicing Okinawan kata.  Combining these techniques the final result of Karate kata is the execution of the block and punch or other technique to disable the imaginary opponent.  Applied to real life situation there may not be enough time to execute a second punch or strike.  Therefore execution of the kata should be as if a life-threatening situation actually is occurring and strive to end the confrontation as quickly as possible ultimately with a single block and a strike or other technique. 

The names of Okinawan kata have been handed down by word of mouth for 300 years.  Some of the names were from people’s names that created or perfected the kata.  Some kata are named after places in Okinawa. Other kata names originated from more in depth kata movements resembling animals or some deadly technique.

Many secrets of Karate are within the Okinawan kata.  The secrets are found only through true knowledge of what is called bunkai.  Bunkai is the interpretation and application of Karate kata movements applied to actual combat. Since some of the techniques are much too dangerous to practice on a person, kata is practiced.  

Karate Kata can be performed many different ways: the way the school practices, performed at lightening quick speed, performed dynamically, and finally the way that feels natural to the practitioner combining all methods.  The way the school performs the kata depends on the head instructor and how it was passed down.  Generally the Kata becomes a distinctive characteristic of the school.  Dynamically is tensing the muscles combined with breathing to build muscle strength. 

In Karate it is estimated that more than 50 kata are practiced by various Okinawan styles.  Some of the kata origins are unknown since they were practiced in secret and passed down by word of mouth. Some karate historians believe kata movements may have been developed from dance influenced by animal movements dating as far back as ancient China.  This makes some sense, since a few kata came to Okinawa by way of Chinese travelers and are named as such. 

Within Okinawan kata there is a line of movement.  This is the direction of movement within the kata starting with linear movement.  Linear movement pertains to movement across a straight line.  The other lines of movements are the tee, cross, and I line of movement.  The movements are exactly what are described; the practitioner’s movement is in directions that form the pattern.  The ending should be at the approximate location as the starting location.  Stances should be performed exactly the same each time the kata is practiced.

Through continuous practicing of Karate kata muscle memory develops.  Muscle memory develops the natural flow for the unification of mind and body.  Every little detail of the karate techniques becomes part of the practitioner executing the movements.