Wado-ryu Karate Kata Essay
Wado-Ryu Karate Kata
Kata translates from Japanese to English as "Form". Kata is an important part of Wado-Ryu Karate, it teaches self-control, basic techniques, transition between different moves, speed differences and many other important skills. The term Kata is a single person exercise that is relatively uncommon in other forms of martial arts.
"Kata is a combination of all the attacking and blocking techniques of Karate. Through the practice of Kata, the student learns such things as balance, focus of technique, changes of direction, stances and correct technique. Kata is basically fighting without a partner being in front of you. As such a Kata should always be performed as if one were fighting an opponent.
Points to remember-
Zanshin - Awareness. Imagine where your opponent would be.
Embusen - The lines of Kata. Ideally you should start and finish on the same spot, and keep within the lines of the Kata.
Kiai - Spirit. This is displayed by a shout at set points in the Kata.
Chakugan - The correct focus of your attention.
Waza No Kankyu - Correct Speeds. Contrast between the fast and slow movements."
-Introduction to Wado-Ryu Karate (Andrew Genery)
"Kata No Rokugensoku (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.
The first set of Katas are called 'Pinan' meaning 'Peace and Calm'.
Here is a list of Pinan Katas and meanings-
Pinan Shodan - One/First
Pinan Nidan - Two/Second
Pinan Sandan - Three/Third
Pinan Yodan - Four/Fourth
Pinan
Kata translates from Japanese to English as "Form". Kata is an important part of Wado-Ryu Karate, it teaches self-control, basic techniques, transition between different moves, speed differences and many other important skills. The term Kata is a single person exercise that is relatively uncommon in other forms of martial arts.
"Kata is a combination of all the attacking and blocking techniques of Karate. Through the practice of Kata, the student learns such things as balance, focus of technique, changes of direction, stances and correct technique. Kata is basically fighting without a partner being in front of you. As such a Kata should always be performed as if one were fighting an opponent.
Points to remember-
Zanshin - Awareness. Imagine where your opponent would be.
Embusen - The lines of Kata. Ideally you should start and finish on the same spot, and keep within the lines of the Kata.
Kiai - Spirit. This is displayed by a shout at set points in the Kata.
Chakugan - The correct focus of your attention.
Waza No Kankyu - Correct Speeds. Contrast between the fast and slow movements."
-Introduction to Wado-Ryu Karate (Andrew Genery)
"Kata No Rokugensoku (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.
The first set of Katas are called 'Pinan' meaning 'Peace and Calm'.
Here is a list of Pinan Katas and meanings-
Pinan Shodan - One/First
Pinan Nidan - Two/Second
Pinan Sandan - Three/Third
Pinan Yodan - Four/Fourth
Pinan