Designing your own Katas

[ramymensa]

Going aside the subject again ... when I started I was just another girl in the class. In few weeks my intentions were made clear and sensei and the assistant instructor saw I was really into it. So I became "special" and they were always watching me. Of course it seemed I was the only one who could do something wrong because you'd always hear: "Ramona, carefull with the hip rotation, Ramona this Ramona that .." so I had the impression I was the clumsiest in the whole world, though I knew my technique was better and I progressed enormously. It took me little time to realise I was not the most stupid there, it was just that they were paying more attention to help me grow even more. They've seen some potential and the pleasure of learning so they thought I was worth more attention.

 

It's still quite confusing to hear your name all the time

 

About kata creation ... you've convinced me ... guess I'll try that too

[returning_wave]

Its an interesting idea that I hadn't really given much thought. As i am part of a small multi-style splinter group of martial-arty friends we could make up a form based on what we come up with. You've got me thinking now

[aefibird]

returning_wave, do you & your 'martial arty friends' (great description BTW!) have your own organisation? If so, what is it called?

 

Thanks.

[MawashiGeri60]

i think making ur own kata would take many years to accomplish . not only just throwing in blocks and strikes . but using the mentality the chinese used to create this katas and japanesse . are u really willing to dedicate as much time as they did . and to me kata is not meant only to look good . kata has to have rhythm , kime , and aplications its not something that would take 3 days to do unless the kata will be just garbage .

[Solo]

It's always fun trying to come up with your own kata. I'm sure many have tried this but we give a young karateka 30 seconds to a minute in front of the class to create his own kata. Everyone else just watches more or less. It's interesting to see what some of them come up with. Some add breakfalls, fancy kicks and just about anything else you can imagine.

 

The only catch it they must open and close their kata as if they were really performing one that we've taught them. They enjoy it almost as much as we do I believe it teaches them to move without thinking, without hesitating on what move to perform next but to rather focus on just throwing anything that feels right.

[aefibird]

Good idea, Solo. That sounds like a fun way to get students thinking about which moves would naturally follow each other.

[Ironberg]

Anyone who can design their own combos should be able to design their own katas.

[delta1]

i think making ur own kata would take many years to accomplish .

 

Depends on what your purpose is in doing it. If for posterity, then yes, it would take many years to perfect. But it can also be a great learning tool, as it forces you to think about and practice all the things you mentioned and more.