Kata
What is a Kata?
A Kata (also know as: a form or a pattern) is a set of movements and techniques performed in a prescribed sequence and manner of execution. Kata serve as a 'library' of useful techniques, stances, and movements. These sequences can be taken apart and analysed (a method known in Japanese as 'Bunkai' ) to discover self-defense applications (known as 'Oyo' in Japanese ). These applications could contain anything from simple evade-and-counter combos, joint locking techniques, throws and takedowns, escapes from wrist and clothing grabs and more.
In Japanese, 'Kata' generally refers to a method of doing something or a sequence of movements. It can be written in a few different ways but the most common when referring to a 'Karate Kata' are 「方」, 「形」 or 「型」.
Goju Ryu Kata List
| Name | Kanji | Grade | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gekisai Dai Ichi | 撃砕第一 | Ungraded/10th Kyu | Kaishugata |
| Gekisai Dai Ni | 撃砕第二 | 9th Kyu | Kaishugata |
| Saifa | 砕破 | 7th Kyu | Kaishugata |
| Seiyunchin | 制引戦 | 5th Kyu | Kaishugata |
| Shisochin | 四向戦 | 3rd Kyu | Kaishugata |
| Sanseiru | 三十六手 | 1st Dan | Kaishugata |
| Seipai | 十八手 | 2nd Dan | Kaishugata |
| Kururunfa | 久留頓破 | 3rd Dan | Kaishugata |
| Seisan | 十三手 | 4th Dan | Kaishugata |
| Suupaarinpei | 壱百零八手 | 5th Dan | Kaishugata |
| Sanchin (Higashionna) | 三戦（東恩納） | 9th Kyu | Heishugata |
| Sanchin (Miyagi) | 三戦（宮城） | 9th Kyu | Heishugata |
| Tensho | 転掌 | 1st Dan | Heishugata |
Kata Types
Kata are classed into two broad categories Heishugata and Kaishugata
Heishugata
Literally Closed Kata. These can be considered basic or fundamental kata, primarily focused on body mechanics such as breathing, stepping, and general muscular control. They also teach some basic striking and blocking mechanics. Sanchin and Tensho are the only heishugata.
Kaishugata
Literally "Open Kata". These can be considered to be more advanced kata where the practicioner is introduced to a variety of movements and attacking/defending techniques. This includes every kata other than Sanchin and Tensho.
Tips
Record a video of yourself doing the kata, you'll definitely find things you can improve by watching the video.
Common mistakes in kata to watch out for
- Short-cutting techniques. i.e. not fully completing a technique before starting the next
- Stances too short/too long
- Incorrect angles. Angles become quite common in kata starting from Seiyunchin, and an incorrect angle in one portion of the kata can mess up all the rest
- Rushing the kata. It's quite important that you take the time to complete each technique before starting the next. Forcing yourself to pause and completely stop your movement for a second or two can be a good way to ensure you aren't rushing anything.
Memorizing a kata
- Practise it a lot
- Perform it slowly, pause after each technique for a second
- Start facing in different directions than usual when practising
- Train it in different places
- Start from different points in the kata, e.g. 5 moves in, after a particular sequence of techniques finishes, be creative