The usefulness of kata.

[Iron Arahat]

I think those who denounce forms as useless, don't fully understand what they are being taught, or the mechanics of it.

 

Forms are an excellent teaching tool, it provides the student the ability to practice moves on their own, learn self discipline, develop better physical skill, fitness, and so on.

 

While people argue that deep stances are not effective, or that the forms themselves may "bind you up". It is far from the truth. You learn more about your physical capabilities from forms.

 

Two person sets in several Chinese arts permit the people to practice techniques in a interactive format. A person must learn to react and adjust to a second person. Many patterns such as knife vs. empty hand, staff vs. staff, sword vs. chain, among others provide valuable training for students.

 

Forms still have their place in practical training.

 

 

[ronryu]

Well some people get it and some don't and that is fine however i belive the less traditional styles are missing the whole art of martial arts . we still do very painful blocking drills and the stances do more then you think . they condition the body and let youlearn where your center of gravity is at and how to break some one elese's . But as i said to each his on . I am jsut disappointed that some people miss out on what a kata can offer .