Kata – The Heart of Karate
Over the years I've learnt a great deal about karate and kata especially. As a beginner in 2007, I did not understand the philosophy behind kata . However, as time went by I started to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for it. Kata is defined by Wikipedia as “ …detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. ” Sosai Oyama doing kata However, for a karateka, it is more complex than just a set of choreographed movements. In each kata is the knowledge of karate passed from generations of practitioners. They hold the fighting techniques the ancient masters have developed and used. Katas are more or less condensed versions of fighting techniques. I've noted that the simplest kata can hold some of the most effective combat skills, and a single movement can have multiple applications (bunkai). The understanding of these movements drives the practitioner to understanding the number of applications that can be used. A karatek...