Kata, It is more than we all think ...

Kata, a favorite subject. I believed I had a solid understanding of kata before yesterday but now I can see the inkling of more in my latest studies. I have written on semantics, characters in Japanese - kanji/kana - as well as the importance of kata in karate. I got this new study from the book by Mike Clarke Sensei, Shin Gi Tai, where he mentions that our belief that kata is a part of karate vs. karate actually being a part of kata and I said to self, "What!"

Let me begin by saying, yes I practice the system of Okinawa Te. You might be saying that this would not really apply to Japanese "shikata." But, if you read about Japanese Kata you will find strong connections to Chinese boxing which of course also strongly influences Okinawa Te. When you see that this brings things to "full circle" you get the overall need to allow connections to China, Okinawa and Japan.

Before the Japanese entered Okinawa the Okinawans dealt with many Asian communities but none more so than China. Before Okinawa dealt with Japan the Japanese many centuries prior were influenced by the Chinese and Korean connections starting with Japan's first foray into writing where they took the Chinese characters and adjusted them to suit their own language.

So, you say but when you study a bit more about the "culture" involved in karate you will find that many of the things we have assimilated into our American traditional practice of karate have lots to do with it. Especially when the circle finally met by the Japanese entering into Okinawa and Okinawa introducing karate into Japan and then Japans influences to "kata-ize" Okinawan Karate.

Sounds a bit convoluted when I post it right? Well, it isn't and the introduction of "Shikata" of Japan where they devote a section to martial arts and karate you begin to see just how important culturally, traditionally and generally kata are to martial practice and training.

As a traditional practitioner one might want to see how this fits into explaining the cultures and beliefs of those who created Te because it is true that when you try to understand it you can then begin to truly understand Te - karate.

Bibliography:
Clarke, Michael. "Shin Gi Tai: Karate Training for Body, Mind, and Spirit." YMAA Publishing. New Hampshire. 2011.
DeMente, Boye Lafayette. "Kata: The Key to Understanding & Dealing with the Japanese." Tuttle Publishing. Tokyo, Vermont and Singapore. 2003.