The importance of Kata

Kata (形, or more traditionally 型) (literally: "way") is a Japanese word that describes a set of practiced movements alone or with friends. The term is used to form the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts. [1]

characteristics

Main article: Kata

Karate kata are executed as specific series of movements, steps and spins with arm or leg techniques, while attempting to maintain perfect form and correctly trace the embusen (map of the steps of kata). During the kata the karateka must be remembering or imagining the application of movements against an opponent.

The study must be accompanied by kata bunkai (knowledge and practice of meaning and actual application of the movements).

There maybe more than 100 kata from different styles of karate, each with variations (see list below). The style is more Kata Shito Ryu includes over 70.

The most common image associated with the execution of a kata is that of a karate practitioner performing a series of rituals, blocking movements, and beating the air. The kata of karate are specific sequences ranging from about 20-70 (or more) movements depending on the degree of difficulty of the kata, kata because the gesture is considered bases which contain or complement each other. The kata usually include combinations of hand and foot blows, blocks, checks, diversions, journeys, stomping, grips, some dislocations, throws, sweeps, turns, jumps, disarms against conventional weapons, chokes, tactical movements, breathing and management driving rhythms of defense and attack; which they are made looking perfect execution. It is difficult to estimate the total number of kata, kata but there are some that are common to the different styles of karate, as Seisan / Hangetsu, Naihanchi / tekki and sanchin. Of course, each style introduces different variants gestures, or pace.

In karate, the names of several of the kata may be also associated with the number of moves, as Nijushiho (literally 24 steps), the name of the teacher who created them, and not Bassai Matsumura (Bassai Matsumura), a feeling movement that can transmit the kata, as enpi (the flight of the swallow) or methodological structure to follow as Pinan / Heian 1-5 or Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, yondan, godan. Also some of the names are often associated also in a spiritual sense esoteric aspects of Buddhism or mikkyo, Zen Buddhism or Taoism.

Origin

Apparently, this form of training in martial arts martial arts originated in India and China. It still remains one of the most important along with the combat. In Japan, the kata served for generations to traditional masters of kenjutsu, kobudo, jujutsu, karate and other classic martial arts (koryu budo) and (gendai budo) of Japan; as a way to train and teach. In fact, it says the kata contain the true essence of martial arts because in them you can see movements that are currently banned in sports combat or shiai kumite, such as blows below the waist and other areas too delicate as the groin, joints, spine, arteries and veins, metabolic pathways, nerves, and the different organs. These bumps can cause serious injuries opponents, including some techniques may eventually cause death.