Post by Sensei Justice on Jul 1, 2008 18:22:09 GMT -5
18. Perform kata exactly combat is another thing
Kata is the 2nd part of training as laid out by Master Funakoshi. The 1st part being basics and the 3rd part being sparring. For that reason alone one should realize that kata is the bridge that connects one to another. In other words kata is a combination of basics to help you develop combat skills.
However kata is much more for us in Shotokan. Each Kata's name holds a very deep meaning that one must apply to that kata. Example: How is Tekki like a HORSE WARRIOR or Hangetsu a HALF MOON. What is Peaceful Mind? It would help that you understood the Heian period in Japanese history. So fort he sake of time lets just say there is much to the names of each kata.
Each kata has at least 5 ways to view it. First view all moves ans basic teaching block, punch and kick. This is how most of us are taught. Next view all moves and offense even blocks. Third view all moves and defense even punches. 4th view all moves and throwing, clinching, grappling, or other wrestling techniques. and 5th view the kata vs One or Many attackers. As one large combo to one person or a fight vs several. Each one of these views gives you a insight to what is being taught.
After you have done a kata and think you know it do it backward, Do the mirror image of it. When you can do those a good as you can do it normal then you can say I know and understand that kata.
Once you do that you will become a very good fighter. However, all to often many want to become a great fighter quick nd will not develop that time to kata study.
I can show you a arm bar, hip toss, triangle choke, etc but if you understand how that moves is taught in the kata it happens you don't have to be taught them.
Remember Master Funakoshi was very much influenced by Master Kano of Judo and have many of those ground elements as Judo and Ju-Jitsu however they have been hidden in the kata. As I stated in Niju Kun 17 the early Japanese teachers were not just going to give their secrets to the Americans they wanted us to earn them.
Show me a person good at kata and I will show you a great fighter.
Show me a great fighter and you may or may not have a great Martial Artist.
Kata is the 2nd part of training as laid out by Master Funakoshi. The 1st part being basics and the 3rd part being sparring. For that reason alone one should realize that kata is the bridge that connects one to another. In other words kata is a combination of basics to help you develop combat skills.
However kata is much more for us in Shotokan. Each Kata's name holds a very deep meaning that one must apply to that kata. Example: How is Tekki like a HORSE WARRIOR or Hangetsu a HALF MOON. What is Peaceful Mind? It would help that you understood the Heian period in Japanese history. So fort he sake of time lets just say there is much to the names of each kata.
Each kata has at least 5 ways to view it. First view all moves ans basic teaching block, punch and kick. This is how most of us are taught. Next view all moves and offense even blocks. Third view all moves and defense even punches. 4th view all moves and throwing, clinching, grappling, or other wrestling techniques. and 5th view the kata vs One or Many attackers. As one large combo to one person or a fight vs several. Each one of these views gives you a insight to what is being taught.
After you have done a kata and think you know it do it backward, Do the mirror image of it. When you can do those a good as you can do it normal then you can say I know and understand that kata.
Once you do that you will become a very good fighter. However, all to often many want to become a great fighter quick nd will not develop that time to kata study.
I can show you a arm bar, hip toss, triangle choke, etc but if you understand how that moves is taught in the kata it happens you don't have to be taught them.
Remember Master Funakoshi was very much influenced by Master Kano of Judo and have many of those ground elements as Judo and Ju-Jitsu however they have been hidden in the kata. As I stated in Niju Kun 17 the early Japanese teachers were not just going to give their secrets to the Americans they wanted us to earn them.
Show me a person good at kata and I will show you a great fighter.
Show me a great fighter and you may or may not have a great Martial Artist.