Katas are choreographed patterns of techniques that are practiced in several martial arts styles. Kata is a Japanese term that means form. New martial arts students often don’t understand the importance of consistently practicing these forms. Katas, however, can offer martial artists several physical and mental benefits.
Application
The practice of katas helps martial arts students understand the applications of the techniques they have been learning. The Japanese term for the application of kata movements is called “bunkai.” Katas teach students how they can correctly combine blocks, strikes, kicks and other techniques in combat.
Multiple Attackers
The performance of a kata requires a martial arts student to perform various techniques at different angles and directions. As a student practices kata, he must visualize the multiple attackers that he is fighting. Kata helps martial artists learn how to correctly turn to face each opponent. Kata also increases a student’s awareness of his surroundings.
Physical Conditioning
If a martial arts student practices katas with power and speed, she can get an effective workout. Practicing several katas in a row increases the cardiovascular benefits of this exercise. Katas also typically include low stances. The consistent performance of these stances strengthens the legs and increases flexibility. The combination of kicking, punching and turning also improves balance and coordination.
Memory
Martial artists often learn several katas. These katas typically get more complicated as students advance to higher ranks. Students are usually required to test on their katas in order to advance. Remembering all of these katas can be a challenge. Keeping track of all of the kata techniques improves memory. A martial artist’s muscles also become accustomed to the movements in the katas. The consistent flow from one technique to another creates muscle memory. This muscle memory can help martial artists naturally flow from one technique to another in an actual fight.
Breathing
Breath control is also important while performing katas. Martial artists learn to inhale in between techniques and to exhale when they execute powerful punches and kicks. Practitioners sometimes exhale with a loud yell known as a “kiai.” A kiai can enhance the power of a technique. Exhaling also prevents a martial artist from getting the wind knocked out of him in a fight.
Confidence
Katas are often performed in front of classmates and instructors, and at tournaments. When a martial artist stands up and successfully performs a kata in front of others, she increases her self-confidence. This boost of confidence often inspires martial artists to feel more comfortable in front of people in other areas of their lives.
Improvement
A main objective of kata practice is to teach martial arts students the importance of consistent improvement. Students practice the same katas hundreds of times under the watchful eyes of instructors. These instructors frequently tell students to make tighter fists, lower stances or other improvements. Students learn the importance of consistently trying to bring out the best in themselves.
Yoshukai Karate International: Yoshukai Kata History
Lyon-Karate: Goju-Ryu Karate Bunkai