“Every kata move is designed for use in combat.” ~ Iain Abernethy 7th dan British Combat Association
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To some karate practitioners and instructors, karate consists of two separate things: kata or kumite. Dividing your karate into only “kumite” or only “kata”, is artificial and negative for your development as a complete karate-ka.
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Why? Because kata and kumite promote different attributes, and both are essential. I have heard many karate students and instructors devalue kata to just a “form” used for promotion, to obtain the next belt, and has no relevant function in todays karate. When a student asks; “what is a kata sensei?” A “form” is the usual answer, without any further explanation. This to me shows a total ignorance and lack of knowledge, the history and the depth of understanding of karate itself.
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When our individual values and self worth are based upon the mindset of winning and losing, we have missed the point of our training. One of the primary differences between traditional martial arts and other ‘sports’, is the latter were invented as a game and for entertainment purposes. Martial arts began with the primary purpose of civilian protection and survival.
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Kata is essential for self-defense, it is grounded in fundamentals and not in sporting techniques and sparring combinations. The ability to free-spar or fight well should not be the primary means of training for self-defense. Don’t ignore the ‘kata’. It IS karate. ??
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“Karate that has discarded Budo has no substance. It is nothing more than a barbaric method of fighting or a promotional tool for the purpose of profit. No matter how popular it becomes, it is meaningless.” ~ Mas Oyama
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With thanks to Iain Abernethy