Kata
(form)A kata is a pre-arranged set of movements in karate. The first 5 katas (heian) are all performed along an imaginary figure "H". Funakoshi Gichin devised the Heian katas from the very old and complex forms such as kankudai and gion. He wanted a progressive structure to kata suitable for introducing into high schools and universities in Japan. The heian kata are an excellent introduction to the art of kata and lay the foundation for the many brown and black kata in Shotokan karate.
There are a total of 26 kata (including the 5 heians) to learn in what many students consider to be a lifelong study. The majority of the moves and techniques in kata are performed dynamically with speed and power. There are also pauses in the kata where slow, soft movements are executed.
The
original Shotokan katas have been passed down
through the
ages and were originally created as a complex and highly effective form
of defence and counter attack. Many of the techniques in Shotokan kata
have a practical application culminating in a killing blow. Over the
years kata have evolved to be an expression of the art of karate but we
still teach the controlled application (bunkai) of these moves as
students become more skilled in their execution.Each kata has an identity, an expression and a flow. Kata exude the power and speed of karate and at the same time have an elegance of movement. The performance of kata is a true expression of karate as an art form.
