KATA

The system in which the karateka fights and defends against the imaginary attackers and the pre-arranged sets of movements involved in it is referred to as Kata. Kata is basically a self-defense technique and the applications of these self defenses are called bunkai (analysis) traditionally. The word oyo (applications) is also used along with this. Every kata includes an embusen or performance line and this indeed is the path of the kata or its floor plan. There is a sequential order in which kata should be performed and it is necessary that kata should start and finish on the same spot.

Kata has a history which is way too traditional and important for it is one of the earliest forms of karate training. Kata is powerful, and it teaches the student on how to be flexible and move in all directions, at times jumping or dropping. Kata has been diversified and it makes kata vivid and different from each other. When some kata are strong in nature, other kata demands speed and agility. When certain techniques are performed in a very slow yet powerful manner, some are executed in a way too sharp and quick manner. The students get to learn more of rhythm and timing, proper breathing as well as expansion and contraction of the body muscles.

An individual should be strong enough to be confident and humble at the same time when it comes to kata performance. The concept of zanshin is significantly important in kata. Zanshin refers to the “remaining mind” which connotes that one should always maintain a calm and relaxed mind which is ready, especially at the end of the kata to be aware of any attack which is likely to come from a potential danger. A kata is said to be over at the end of the final bow. 26 kata (25 without including jiin) is present in the Shotokan syllabus.

These kata are further divided into categories given below.