My Favorite Katas
As a martial artist, I believe that katas are the foundation of any martial art style. I have practiced karate for more than four decades. I understand that the principles of any martial artist are self-respect and a true way of life in balancing the mind, body, and spirit.
My favorite katas are the Naihanchi Katas - Naihanchi Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan. Naihanchi translates into “internal divided conflict.” These katas are performed in the Iron Horse / kiba-dachi stance. Performing these katas in a low horse stance helps build up the necessary balance and strength for fast footwork and body shifting. These katas are intricate strategies of attacking and defensive movement, executed in the kiba dachi stance for the purpose of conditioning the legs, upper body, and to develop explosive power, speed, and control. The katas emphasize the proper use of hips and body movements to master and perfect the kiba dachi stance. They are performed in a linear motion, moving side-to-side. These katas make use of different fighting techniques called Tai-sabaki, which is a Japanese martial arts term, which relates to whole body movement or repositioning. The kata is perfectly symmetrical and one must maintain a straight, erect spine and a balance of weight on both legs.
This is done to maximize positional strength, for balance, and to defend against pushes and pulls from any angle. The techniques can be applied against attackers at any angle, acquiring stability, and self-control in body movements. One must use inner strength to balance the mind, body, and spirit to perform these Kata’s. The Naihanchi katas are a series of movements and techniques, beginning with a strong Kosa dachi (or cross leg position/stance), moving into a strong kiba dachi, striking, grappling motion, and attacking with an elbow, with a downward block, continuing with a variety of punches and blocks. This motion of the Kata is done in both directions in a linear movement, moving from left to right, and from right to left, ending at the starting point.
In my opinion, kata is the main foundation of any style of karate. Kata must be performed with a strong physical foundation, as taught through the kata. Katas contain hidden practical techniques called Bunkai.
These techniques are usually performed with a partner or a group of partners who execute pre-determined attacks and the student performing the kata responds with defenses, counter-attacks, or other actions based on the movement of the kata.
This allows the student to understand the meaning of the movements within the kata. It may also illustrate how to improve technique by adjusting distances and/or timing, and to adapt a technique, depending on the size of an opponent or the situation. A single kata posture or movement may be broken into a few to several applications. Also, the same sequence of kata moves may be interpreted in different ways resulting in several new Bunkais. Students are encouraged to consider each movement and technique in a kata in response to multiple possible attacks such as the use of a particular movement against a kick, a punch, or various forms of grappling.
Through analysis of movement and the practice of different scenarios, students will learn to unlock new techniques and expand their understanding of the kata. A student’s in-depth comprehension of Bunkai is only reached through the passage of time and continued practice of kata. A student will evaluate and use his own judgment when performing any particular technique or movements within the kata he or she performs. I believe that through the study and practice of these katas most students will acquire a strong mental aptitude, self-discipline, structure, and hopefully a true dedication to our art. I further believe that these katas are a continuous universe of movements that will help us master our inner energies and to become one with the force we call “Ki or Chi.”
Marcos A. Ramos, Shihan
