| Kata |
Okinawa Karate and Kobudo has been traditionally transmitted from generation to
generation through "Kata". Kata are prearranged forms that differ from style to style. In
Okinawa Martial Arts the Kata teach principles of actual fighting. Because of this, Kata
are very important and should not be thought of as just exercise or only for promotion
qualification. Many Kata in Okinawa are very old, tracing their roots back to China and
some were devised by older more knowledgeable teachers who had trained for many
years. The secret to Kata is learning the "Bunkai" or applications to the movements.
Many Martial Arts instructors today either have never been taught or don't understand
the Bunkai to Kata.
Isshinryu Karate is very unique in it's instruction of Kata and Bunkai. In the Isshinryu
Kata there is an exact opposite side that reflects what is occurring with each technique.
Thus, the Bunkai for each technique is easily learned and understood even at beginner
levels and is often turned into a multi person fighting drill.
As a student advances, they are taught and encouraged to seek out alternate Bunkai
for the movements in Kata. This not only expands the students knowledge of technique
but also stimulates the mind to analyze and discover.
generation through "Kata". Kata are prearranged forms that differ from style to style. In
Okinawa Martial Arts the Kata teach principles of actual fighting. Because of this, Kata
are very important and should not be thought of as just exercise or only for promotion
qualification. Many Kata in Okinawa are very old, tracing their roots back to China and
some were devised by older more knowledgeable teachers who had trained for many
years. The secret to Kata is learning the "Bunkai" or applications to the movements.
Many Martial Arts instructors today either have never been taught or don't understand
the Bunkai to Kata.
Isshinryu Karate is very unique in it's instruction of Kata and Bunkai. In the Isshinryu
Kata there is an exact opposite side that reflects what is occurring with each technique.
Thus, the Bunkai for each technique is easily learned and understood even at beginner
levels and is often turned into a multi person fighting drill.
As a student advances, they are taught and encouraged to seek out alternate Bunkai
for the movements in Kata. This not only expands the students knowledge of technique
but also stimulates the mind to analyze and discover.
