November 9th , 2014

From Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo

Kata or Kumite

Which is more Realistic, Kata or Kumite?

In our Karate training, we focus on "Kata", the essence of karate. According to Shorin-Ryu philosophy, kata is more important than kumite. But often, kumite can be mistaken for being the more realistic of the two.

Shorin Ryu (Question and Answer Book) Red Book
Page 42, Question 29
"Kata is the more real. You never hold back or control your technique. You never concern yourself with your attacker's strategy, just your attacker's technique of the moment."

On that note, continue to read the next set of questions through number 36. Grab a partner in class, work on some Bun-kai.

Aloha,
Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo