Form, Function and Application

This one could function as the "three pillars of the Kata Practice." I find it relevant in teaching as well. I want them to focus on form when they begin. Form remains steadfast until at least the San-kyu to Ik-kyu range. Sometime around the Go-kyu level I will introduce them to the function of the form, i.e. the fundamental principles of martial systems, that govern form reality.

Form reality is that form that promotes maximum effective application of the technique. Form itself as in the perfect form in appearance is now relegated to some distant past for it should be encoded enough to be automatic but not encoded to instinctual making the adjustments easier. Not all techniques look good when properly applied.

This also incorporates the function of the kata or bunkai. Function, like my previous posts on repetition, are not necessarily glued to just one thing. The function is tied to the principles and the bunkai which takes us into the application of the kata technique with form and function or principles and bunkai, etc.

The separation of kata into three areas makes teaching a novice easier; it makes learning as a novice easier; it promotes a solid foundation for the novice that will carry them throughout their lives in the practice of martial arts.

Application is to understand the bunkai and how it can be applied. It also speaks to how it would be applied in a fight, violent encounter of even combat (the Marines have a MA program, etc.).

In the early days of the Isshinryu system those military who achieved Sho-dan under the one year tour were not given the function and application. The actual contest combinations were taught separately and I believe called Tatsuo Sensei's drills (this needs verification :-). They were taught only the form of the kata. Many spoke of this later and many like Harrill Sensei developed their own bunkai simply, as he stated once, he didn't learn them when under Tatsuo Sensei.

Kata form, function and applications must be understood before the level of Sho-dan. Refining all this and adding the other aspects of training and practice such as self-defense, etc. must be well understood and taught as you enter the black belt ranges and those who achieve San-dan will know it.