The comments on my articles are fascinating; “ditch the dance, modern systems don’t need or use kata, traditional karate is ineffective anyway”.
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Traditional karate is not ineffective. The misconception that it’s ineffective often stems from the assumption that “traditional” refers only to the modern, stylized versions seen in tournaments and competition. But traditional karate is far more than what’s displayed on the competition floor.
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The real question should be, “ineffective where?” Traditional karate is an umbrella term encompassing many different methods and approaches, each with its own unique strengths.
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Like anything, kata has great value when approached correctly – if approached as it was originally intended, then karate is functional, holistic, and pragmatic.
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Today, we may not “need” kata in the same way our predecessors did. But kata connects us to the past. Often named after their creators and containing their methods of combat. Why not keep that history alive? In a time when so much history is being erased, preserving this connection feels more important than ever.
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We can still incorporate modern concepts, training equipment, and ideas, kata connects us with knowledge, passed down through generations.
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Karate for me has to be pragmatic. But no, we don’t “need” kata. But having a connection to the pioneers of karate feels good. It allows us to try and understand their thinking, how they dealt with the violence of their time, and how they passed on these important principles to others. Training with kata is like driving a classic car – no modern conveniences, yet it offers a sense of connection and authenticity that’s unmatched. It’s not about necessity; it’s about the experience, how it makes you feel.
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Pragmatism? Kata isn’t just about preserving history, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there – if you take the time to understand.
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