Kata applications

by | Nov 29, 2019 | Blog

Kata applications or more to the point, the study of kata applications, has fascinated me for decades. As a child, I vividly recall wondering why some kata ended in a “block”? “If Kata is simulating combat, why would it end in a block?” “Surely it would end with a strike?” Unfortunately, the explanations I was given just didn’t sit right with me and that set me off on a personal mission to obtain a deeper understanding of Kata.

Bunkai

In these modern times, there is a lot of information out there relating to Kata and the principles within them, therefore I won’t go into any great detail here. I will, however, share a little saying I like to use when studying Kata.

“A block, can be a lock, can be a blow, can be a throw”.

Angles and techniques directly before and after a move must be considered, however, on a basic level, this saying alone should get you thinking about the more realistic applications and principles within a kata.

The attached short clip was taken within one of our training sessions and covers the first 5 movements of Pinan Nidan / Heian Shodan. The clip is not intended to be instructional but will give the reader a flavour of who we are and how we use kata. Feel free to view our gallery for more clips.

Thanks for reading

David Shaw – Sheffield Karate Club