“Kata functions as the art of karate.” – Patrick McCarthy 9th dan Koryu Uchinadi
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“In karate, the most important thing is kata. Into the kata of Karate are woven every manner of attack and defense technique. Therefore, kata must be practiced properly, with a good understanding of their ‘bunkai’ meaning.
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There may be those who neglect the practice of kata, thinking that it is sufficient to just practice [pre-arranged] ‘kumite’ that has been created based on their understanding of the kata, but that will never lead to true advancement. The reason why is that the ways of thrusting and blocking – that is to say, the techniques of attack and defense – have innumerable variations. To create ‘kumite’ containing all of the techniques in each and every one of their variations is impossible.
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If one sufficiently and regularly practices kata correctly, it will serve as a foundation for performing – when a crucial time comes – any of the innumerable variations.”
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Mabuni Kenwa (1889-1952)
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The people who argue about kata not being relevant to real fighting or self-defense totally miss the point – in addition to being “libraries” of combative principles, techniques and movements, when practiced correctly they reinforce the fundamentals necessary to fight or defend oneself as effectively as possible in a civilian exchange.
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People who question the usefulness of kata are likely people who think that karate is all about (consensual) fighting, therefore everything practiced in karate has a purpose to improve your fighting skills. This is fundamentally wrong.
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I believe, karate without kata is not karate. If you want to just fight, do something else. ??
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? Photo Credit: Patrick McCarthy – & McCarthy quote courtesy Ben Ryder