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Kata - the ultimate karate training method/exercise
With the upcoming tests and the test result emphasis
predominantly based (about 90%) on kata, I reiterate
the importance of kata training for maximum self-development.
Karate training according to an article titled "Training on
Okinawa in the 50's" from the karate web site Uechi-ryu.com in
part by George E. Mattson, President NAC and IUKF.
Excerpts are as follows:
"my Sensei stated that all the strength, speed, coordination, accuracy
and most importantly the "spirit" comes from the kata..."
"learning a block as part of a kata creates a different and more
effective "muscle memory" than a block simply repeated a
thousand times in the form of a drill."
"today Okinawan karate-ka build their strength and endurance over
long periods of time and mostly through exploration of form and kata"
"the original dojo where Kanbun Uechi ( the man who studied the
original moves in China) first taught, no exercises were taught as
part of the class....at least not in 1966."
"In essence, the power and the real fighting is in the kata- not
in the bagwork, etc."
I totally agree with the article.
In closing I refer to Master Nagamine's text where 80% of the
book is devoted to kata, 10% to yakusoku kumite, kumite
bunkai application, equipment (devises), makiwara and weapons,
and 10% to history. All 100% of the text is most important.
Even more important is for us to have an understanding of
all the aspects of karate, with proper emphasis given,
and to avoid injuring ourselves or our students because of a
misunderstanding of karate training.
And to recognize that kata and karate are synonymous.
"...the body and mind develop best through the kata."
Arigato,
Kyoshi Robert Scaglione.
My best wishes to all the candidates, their teachers and sempai.