How to teach Kata

Kata training has its own system that one has to follow. Before learning the Sentei Kata (Bassai Dai, Jion, Kanku Dai, Enpi, Hangetsu) one has to go thoroughly through all the Heian Kata. If you have control over the movements in your Heian (Pinan) Kata and master their techniques, rhythm and other challenges you wont have any problems with the more advanced Kata.

However, every mistake or weakness that was not corrected in the Heian Kata will transfer onto the higher Kata, and will create more problems since every higher Kata comes with its own highlights and challenges.

Remember that the center of the student’s attention should always be the next Kata necessary for his next belt test. However, the student should always review and be prepared to perform all previous Kata.

The instructor or coach should divide the Kata into sensible sequences and train those sequences step by step. This way the student can focus on timing, and execution of the sequence. After mastering the segmented sequences, the Kata can be put together again.

The student should also practice the Bunkai of the selected Kata. This is necessary because some federations require a Bunkai demonstration for their tests, but more importantly by practicing the Bunkai, the student gets an idea and feeling for the application of every move in the Kata. The understanding of the application will be visible in the techniques. The technique will reveal its meaning and will mature. The Kime, focus and endpoint will become clearer and the mental attitude during the demonstration will become sharper.

Once a student has memorized the course of a Kata, he then has to get a feeling for the rhythm of this Kata. The rhythm of the Kata should be tightly connected with the proper way of breathing and the Zanshin.

 

Important points to remember:

• Every Kata should be learned according to the steps of the grading system

• Divide the Kata to sensible sequences

• Exercising the techniques of a Kata trains the understanding of a move and this understanding will shine through while performing a Kata

• Remember the rhythm, breathing and Zanshin of the Kata

(please also see kata exercises)