Kata should be practiced based on the following points. 

 

• Kata should start and end with REI [Bow]

 

• Correct basic techniques

  • Getting into the mindset; projecting confidence and maintaining the speed and power from start to end

 

• Breathing

  • Breathe efficiently by adjusting the rate and timing to the situations’ demands

  • DO NOT hold your breath

 

• Dachi [Stances]

  • Focus on how the different muscles of the body interrelate with one another during the performance of the kata, bringing about stability and strong stances

 

• Posture

  • Must be stable, well-balanced and similar in every direction throughout the performance

 

• Chakugen [Focus]

  • Focus on your movements.

  • Keep your focus on an imaginary opponent

  • Remove all forms of distraction and internalise your kata

 

• Bunkai [Analysis and Application]

  • Analysing and breaking down the movements of kata into defense against your opponent/s. It is important that a practitioner be able to apply a single technique in different situations and attacks

  • Training in Bunkai should include distances, timing, rhythm, and fluidity [Maai, Ritsudo and Nagare]

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• • Without Bunkai, kata becomes merely a dance  

 

• Zanshin [Awareness]

  • When practising kata, the practitioner’s body posture should be in a state of awareness after executing a technique [relaxed awareness]

 

• Repetition – to perfect the kata

  • As the saying goes… “Practice makes Perfect”. The same goes for kata. To perfect a kata, repetition is essential.