What is Kata For? – Part 2: Classical Training Versus Dance or Gymnastics
By Douglas Adamson • Mar 1st, 2008 • Category: Classical Thought, Martial Arts Education
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Douglas Adamson: teaches Shorei Kai (an Americanized Okinawan karate
system), Yamani Ryu, a classical Okinawan weapons system, and Pikiti Tirsha,
a classical kali system. He can be contacted through NAPMA.com.
All posts by Douglas Adamson
Douglas,
I could not agree more! Thanks for such well-researched and focused article.
I don’t have a problem with entertainment and there certainly is a place for it to increase interest in martial arts, and to simply, well: entertain! There is sadly a great loss when the functional power of kata training is lost or ignored. I also worry that many instructors substitute gymnastic movements because of their own boredom or lack of understanding of kata.
The basic principles of balance, focus and timing inherent to traditional kata practice provide the most effective exercise to unite mind and body. A firm foundation in these principles gives the practitioner the ability to express a broader scope of applications. It’s up to the contemporary instructor to teach students how to read the form, not just parrot the form. In this way, both student and instructor are actively engaged in the process of perfection; nobody should be bored with that!
Best thoughts for continued success & happiness!
Jim Bouchard
Author of Dynamic Components of Personal Power