Kata: Transitioning to Self-Defense

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First, in a nutshell the purpose of kata are teaching us to apply fundamental principles through multiple methodologies with appropriate levels of force for defense against violence. 

Second, the actual obvious techniques demonstrated by kata practice are NOT the core meaning nor the core techniques and applications used in fighting, combat and/or defenses. Their sole purpose is the first comment, to learn about principles, etc.

Third, kata are not fighting models; kata are not sport competitive patterns; kata are not meant to teach us how to fight in any of the models mentioned in the second comment. Kata as expressed through individual and style forms are merely perceptions and theories collected together to pass along a model and ability to study, learn, understand and apply fundamental principles in an appropriate manner for survival in violent situations where modern times also require remaining in the self-defense square and training for the adrenal dump that comes from high stress-conditions of conflict and violence. 

To transition from a kata model to one that applies multiple methodologies toward self-defense in modern times means we don’t need two person drills except as a test to ensure we are applying principles properly, i.e., those physiokinetic sub-principles like structure, alignment and balance to name just a few. 

To transition from a kata pattern to multiple methodologies is to learn and understand the principles of multiple methodologies then play with them with another person such as would be done in a uke-tori relational training model of traditional karate and martial arts. Once a kata pattern is memorized then the principles must be encoded so they arrive from the procedural memory model of brain function releasing it from the obstacles and limitations of a conscious mind. It is a creative process where the actual moves and patterns of the kata are actually forgotten so one can achieve a more fun model of operant conditioning of the procedural memory or mind, what some refer to as the lizard brain. 

The many kata process of many karate and martial arts training models is about other agenda’s and commercial needs because as the historical “Stories” tell  us one need only learn one kata well. 

To learn one kata well means learning that transitional model to which I speak, write, so that we transition from the basic level of “shu” to “ha” to “ri,” i.e., learn the patterns and movements of the kata; learn the fundamental principles through the movement and patterns of kata; learn how to apply those principles into the multiple methodologies of self-defense, etc. leaving the kata behind only as a historical reference. 

Kata as a tool for a more philosophical understanding of a karate and martial art lifestyle where goals like self-confidence, self-analysis and self-improvement are still a viable model where learning more than one kata makes perfect sense. 

Just remember that too maintain a true karate and martial art means adhering to this transitional model of kata practice so that adding more does not interfere with the other over time. 

This is kata transitional training, practice and application that transcends all other forms of practice and speaks to a means of kata understanding for fighting, combatives and most of all self-defense. 

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