Kata

The other day I was looking at some kata's being performed. Nicely done, and everybody was doing the same; sharp, weighted, time movements.  Again and again, some of the movements working with an imaginary opponent others just a set of movements that are to be remembered and other a nice mix of the two.

 

There was no doubt they were dedicated individuals, working at a high level of achievement. With beautiful results.

 

I started thinking about who the imaginary opponent was, and his role in it all. How was he reacting, and in which environment this was happening. Was he taller, heavier, faster, in his pajamas, out running or just plain out drunk? Which queues did the kata-doer use to activate hos movements? OR was he using a timing system to activate his sequences.

 

You probable already get the idea that running through the kata isn’t taking into consideration the other factors in a scenario. Things like environment, why are we having this situation and what kind of luggage is in play here.

 

Could they be played into a kata? Yes, I think so. This might make it not so nice, and not the same from time to time. But it will make the kata more vertical to reality. Tony Blauer uses this thought set in is Close Quarter Combat Form, were variations dictate your movements(and follow ups)  . There is a fundamental structure your based on, but from that it’s the scenario that dictates the rest (a quote from Mr. Blauer: scenario dictates all).

 

Katas are good for getting your movements better and sharper, but when it is to be used in another environment, use the specifications from that environment, or you might be missing the point.