An understanding of kata and how we approach kata keiko (form training) at Hakuba Wadoryu.
There are primarily three ways to train Kata.
Firstly, the student must learn the basic structure of the kata. The direction, stances, techniques and overall movements.
Secondly, we focus on the detail and precision movements in an attempt to perform the kata to the highest level possible. The kata discipline. This is an ongoing process regardless of grade. We also research the kata origin and particular historical lineage.
Kata should be performed to include Suzuki Sensei’ Six Principles of Kata.
1. Ikita Kata – Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose.
2. Inen – Kata must be performed with spirit.
3. Chikara no Kyojaku – Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.
4. Waza no Kankyu – Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
5. Kisoku no Donto – Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale and exhale.
6. Balance – Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of Kata
Plus a seventh for consideration!
Perform the kata to convince any casual onlooker that they’re witnessing martial movement and technique rather than viewing a benign ‘dance’.
Thirdly, we train the application of the kata. The ‘ohyo’ application, the ‘kaishaku’ interpretation and the ‘keisetsu’ application explanation. We also look at ‘bunkai’ dismantling.
These are what bring the kata to life.
We do not learn kata to pass grades and then forget, we continually look for improvement, enlightenment and martial wisdom.
J.A.J Rendell
Hakuba Wadoryu
