What is a Karate Kata and why do we practise them?
In kata, you learn to combine the basic techniques in a seamless, flowing movement. Each kata is built around specific fighting strategies for you to understand and to develop the principles you will learn in your basics. Most Japanese martial arts have kata, or training forms, that are practiced to develop technique, or to simply pass on a tradition. When certain people practice them, they look smooth, relaxed and have a certain presence. Kata practice is, however, more than simply performing the steps well, though that is important. Another aspect of kata practice is the analysis of the movements in the kata to determine the more advanced techniques which are encoded within them. They are also easy to practise at home, as you don’t need a partner to practice with.
