Take out the Trash

In karate the kata names usually have some meaning that relates to how that kata became a kata. It is a label for that kata and that name has no other purpose. In modern karate circles it might be misconstrued by practitioners that the kata name relates to the use of the kata techniques. 

Lets take one of the Isshinryu kata, Naihanchi. It is said by some that the kata was developed to be used when fighting against a wall. It is important that although this kata, and the others for that matter, can all be used if you are backed up against a wall. This explanation might be useful to get a novice starting to think about what kata can provide on a basic level. 

Socrates (the movie character) told his disciple one time while poking a finger at his forehead, "to take out the trash." What I believe he meant in this teaching is you have to remove limiting labels, symbols, etc. from your practice and achieve something more appropriate to any given situation especially when it comes to self-defense. 

Like my recent post on the "embusen" line, kata and kata names are great for historical purposes as well as getting a novice practitioner on the right road but the sensei "must" make sure to instill in that person they should "take out the trash." This quote is another example, one might assume using the term trash means something useless. This is not true, the true trash being removed is that box we all tend to put things into for convenience when in reality it is about taking your practice and training "outside the box." 

Naihanchi and the wall thing are good, they are good starters for the novice and they have historical significance. To me kata can come from anywhere for any reason especially if you want to pass along that experience to the person without experience. 

I see naihanchi as a multi-directional kata that can be applied in at least six directions and the only limitation is if against a wall fine but with the ability to turn you can achieve usefulness of said techniques against any situation. 

Don't limit your kata to some initial symbolic meaning. Practice, practice and practice to achieve fluidity that will create appropriate responses to any confrontation.