Do you perform katas/forms?
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
United States
February 17, 2009 1:17am CST
Do you perform katas/forms in your martial art style/tradition? If you are an instructor, do you teach others to do so? Are katas/forms necessary and/or relevant? Why or why not?
I think kata can be a very useful tool for memorizing and practicing techniques and they can be quite beautiful to watch, but there are some people who seem to think that katas are a waste of time and not realistic for the modern martial artist. What are your thoughts?
2 people like this
2 responses
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
25 Feb 09
I think kata can be an extremely good way to learn forms. It seems to me that they are slower and thus allow you to full learn the form properly.
1 person likes this
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
27 Feb 09
Very true. I think forms/kata could also be good for demonstrating control and precision of movements, as well as being a sort of mnemonic for remembering techniques. Thanks for the response!
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
28 Mar 09
Now that we've been doing forms for the last month since you started this thread, I have to say I really enjoy doing them. I have found that now I remember my blocks because of our form work combination. And, it takes a great deal of focus, which also creates almost a zen like state while we're working out.
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
29 Mar 09
Absolutely! Performing the movements of kata requires mindfulness and one-pointed concentration that is not adversely effected by external circumstances, and thus acts as a sort of "moving meditation" in many ways.
1 person likes this
@dnatureofdtrain (5273)
• Janesville, Wisconsin
17 Feb 09
If Katas are the same as solo forms, I basically self trained myself practicing in just Solo forms... Other than I had the experienc in my kindergarten gradeschool years to sneak off and Train with my friend and her cousin from Korea if I remember the relationship right.. Pat Morita.. He was who played Mr. Miyagi in the karate kid... Only stuff I have to learn yet to be at black belt is the running and high flying kicks.. The rest came very natural for me all my life until I injured my right leg last year. Now its hard to do those moves.. But I accidently one day went to leap into the air to release anger and I did my first high flying kick that way not even meaning to... I was like wow.. how did I do that.
But, if Katas are solo forms then yes I think its very important to practice them, as well perform them on and off daily. It helps keep the body in shape and movements natural.
If Katas are not solo forms then forgive me and explain what they are. I was trained in the movements and breathing but never really knew what most of what I do is called. - DNatureofDTrain
