Why Do Kata? Article by James D. Elshoff

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Article by James D. Elshoff</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Why Do Kata?</B></div> <div>  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Goudy Old Style" > </FONT></div> <div> What is a “kata?”  Well, a kata is a pre-arranged series of movements, usually associated with the martial arts, incorporating moves designed to defend against attacks from all directions.  Aikido is a kata-based art, as is Karate.  O'Sensei created the art of Aikido derived from sword techniques; and he developed several kata for practice in implementing those techniques.</div> <bR> <div> In 1965, while serving as a Marine, I met Sgt. John Roseberry.  He was my shop chief.  Then I soon discovered he taught some kind of karate, and I began lessons.  However, he wanted me to learn "katas;" and I wanted to learn karate instead, so I quit.  Later, we were both transferred to Vietnam, and we lost touch with one another.</div> <bR> <div> In 1972, I began college, and also began studying Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu.  Again, I discovered that kata were being heavily emphasized.  "Why do kata?" I thought to myself.  Well, to make a long story short, I relented, and began to learn the kata.</div> <bR> <div> A few years later, as I was preparing for my shodan exam, I saw one of my sensei performing kata Okan.  He looked like a wild bull knocking down a barn!  I became immediately and permanently impressed with the way he made that kata come alive.  He interpreted, and created, and performed a living work of art!  I subsequently performed Okan the same way in my successful shodan exam.  I continued to train and attained nidan.</div> <bR> <div> Why do kata?  Then, in 1989, I again bumped into not "John" but "Shihan" Roseberry -- a 9th degree black belt, who studied under very famous Okinawan masters.  We renewed our acquaintance, and began training.  He gave me some very insightful pointers in improving my kata.  He also introduced me to Master Ray Walters, another 9th degree black belt, who would become my best friend.  Under Ray, until his untimely death in 1998, I taught Taekwondo for 9 years, working my way up to godan.</div> <bR> <div> I learned 16 of their 24 katas, and discovered certain interpretations which furthered my understanding of the Shorin-Ryu kata as well.  Then I learned certain of the kata backwards.  Then, to the opposite side.  Since some of the kata are not symmetrical, this helped me develop my weaker side.  Sometimes I would begin in the middle of the kata and work forwards or backwards.</div> <bR> <div> Why do kata?  Because the kata contain the answers to self-defense questions.  Did you ever notice that all legitimate kata begin with a defensive move?  That is because there is no first attack in karate:  <I>"</I><I>Karate ni sente nashi." </I> Karate is for defense only.</div> <bR> <div> Today, at 57, I practice kata daily -- "mainichi, kata renchu!"  "Every day -- practice kata."  Every day I get a deeper insight into the minds of the shinden.  Learning a multitude of different positions, and thus responses to attacks from any angle, kata serve to give me alternate insights into problem-solving in my daily profession (that of a lawyer) as well as in the martial arts.</div> <bR> <div> Why do kata?  Because the kata contain the secrets we need.  After performing several kata, we discover our "favorite" kata.  What that means is that certain moves in particular kata lend themselves to our particular body style and individual techniques.  In your favorite kata, on which move is kiai?  The answer should be: "Every move...in every kata...is kiai."  Do not confuse a "shout" with "kiai."</div> <bR> <div> Aikido too, is a kata-based art.  All the way from simple tenkan, to ai-dori ushiro-waza kube-shime kote-gaishi, the art is premised on kata.</div> <bR> <div> Why do kata?  All moves in all of life can be kiai.  Try living one day as if it were a 24-hour kata, gently extending ki wherever it is needed.  You will be surprised how much peace you will discover at the end of that kata.  For all further questions, the answers are out there on the mat.  As O-Sensei said, <I><B>“Train with joy.”</B></I><I>  Domo arigato gozaimasu!</I></div> <bR> <div> J.D. Elshoff (serious beginner)</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>