“Now use head for something other than target.” ~ Nariyoshi Miyagi Miyago-do Karate
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When people don’t understand things, they often find it easier to create their own explanations rather than to actually find out the real explanation. We see this all the time, in every part of society.
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To psychologists, this behavior is known as ‘rationalization’. If something doesn’t make sense, make it make sense. Karate is no exception. And kata is a great example.
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I had a discussion recently about the opening ‘salutation’ to the kata Kusanku (translated in Japanese as gazing heavenward, viewing the sky, or contemplating the sky). Where the hands raise above your head and circle downwards. It was described as simply; ‘viewing the sun through your hands, contemplating heaven and earth’; this was argued by a very high ranking Hanshi in Shito-Ryu.
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My belief is that the kata are a record of the combative techniques, principles and concepts of an individual. They were the ‘styles’ of the time. Created to provide self-defense templates against a civilian populace that had no combative experience.
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Therefore for me, there are no opening ‘salutations’ in kata. Each and every move is designed to have a combative function. Wouldn’t it be logical, if nothing else, to ensure each move or technique within the kata had a function or principle that would protect you from harm, rather than offer some symbolic gesture in the hope this would save your life?
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“There are no ‘salutation’, religious or empty movements in kata. All movements in the kata have meaning.”~ from the ‘Hosoku joko’ – Advanced rules of ‘Kaisai no Genri’ of Goju Ryu ~ Seikichi Toguchi (1917-1998) 10th dan Goju Ryu
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“Every movement in kata is significant and is to be used in application.” ~ Lawrence Kane; Kris Wilder. ‘The Way of Kata.’
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“Every kata move is designed for use in combat. It is important to understand that all movements within the katas are designed for use in real fights. This includes the opening and closing salutations.” ~ Iain Abernethy
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Understanding the applications of kata isn’t particularly difficult if you have an understanding of the nature of combat and have a grasp of the ‘language’ of kata. Indeed the active study of the kata (as opposed to just practicing them) is something that all karateka should engage in. “Now use head for something other than target.”??
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With thanks to Iain Abernethy