Kata
The dictionary of Karate
All martial arts have been taught through a series of training patterns. I am not only talking about traditional styles such as Karate-Do and Tae Kwon Do but soft styles like Aikido as well. Wing Chun and Judo also have a series of training patterns which are prevalent in almost every martial arts curriculum. In Karate the patterns are called Kata. In Kata the techniques of martial arts are translated and encrypted. Martial arts teachers use these set patterns or dances to train their students more effectively. In a period of tense struggle and intense conflict Karate was outlawed in Japan. The ruling class using force controlled the population, mainly farmers. If anyone was found training in martial arts the entire family was killed and the friends of the family tortured. It was impossible to write down and record techniques and tactics. Kata became a perfect and effective means of passing on techniques, fundamentals, and even prepare the student. Trainings were done secretly and katas a good way to pass on instructions. Both Gogen Yamaguchi the founder of Gojo-Ryu and Sensei Miyagi of Shotokan were complete supporters of Kata and their formulation. Eventually teachers developed katas exclusively; Great Sensei adapted the Kata so as to contain the style, philosophy and the methods of battle. Many katas contain hidden meanings. In feudal Japan it was quite popular for one school master to go to another and challenge its sensei. Because of this, kata became guarded and transformed. Katas were sometimes arranged with hidden meanings and only taught to senior students who had proven their loyalty. There are many hundreds of different kata in karate alone. Many sensei of today feel katas are obsolete. Many students feel that kata has little value in today’s urban conflicts. I completely disagree. All great sensei of every martial art have studied and practiced kata relentlessly. Everything in an art is revealed through kata. Many students learn kata and move on to the next. In ancient time katas were practiced for years before new katas were introduced. Kata should not be overlooked as a training necessity. Kata not only conditions the body for battle but trains the reflexes and mind as well. There are many great books that deal with Kata.
Kata Names:
TAIKYO KYU – First Cause
HEIAN SHODAN – Peaceful Mind First Level
HEIAN NIDAN – Peaceful Mind Second Level
HEIAN SANDAN – Peaceful Mind Third Level
HEIAN YONDAN – Peaceful Mind Forth Level
HEIAN GODAN – Peaceful Mind Fifth Level
From Heian Ante meaning peace and calmness, taken from the city of Heian
TEKKI SHODAN – Horse Riding First Level
TEKKI NIDAN – Horse Riding Second Level
TEKKI SANDAN – Horse Riding Third Level
BASSAI DAI – To penetrate a fortress Major
BASSAI SHO – To penetrate a fortress Minor
KANKU DAI – Viewing the Sky Major
KANKU SHO – Viewing the Sky Minor
HANGETSU – Half Moon
EMPI – Flying Swallow
GANKAKU – Crane on a rock
JITTE – Ten Hands (sometimes spelt as JUTTE)
JI-ON – From the temple of Jion
JI-IN – Temple grounds
CHINTE – Strange Hands
MEIKYO – Polished Mirror
NIJUSHIHO – Twenty Four Steps
SOCHIN – Immovable in the face of danger
WANKAN – A proper name, King’s Crown.
UNSU – Hands in The Cloud
GOJUSHIHO SHO – Fifty Four Steps Minor
GOJUSHIHO DAI – Fifty Four Steps Major
