Importance in your training?

[vertigo]

As for kata being introductory sparring, I don't think kata and sport fighting (modern kumite) have anything to do with each other

 

maybe I should elaborate a little more on my posts... I pretty much meant that doing kata helped me grasp the mental aspects of sparring more? (i dunno, this is kinda tough for me to form into text)... as in, had kata not been a focal point in my training, kumite (as I'm a beginner) would be far more difficult, as I would know techniques, yet never used them in tandem, or in a hypothetical defense/attack situation (kata)...

 

so, at least from where I'm sitting in karate (which is very beginner), kata is absolutely essential.... I could only assume that for beginners in general, kata helps lay a solid foundation for a lot in the future.. (I could be wrong on that, but that's just my initial guess)

[isshinryuka]

I could only assume that for beginners in general, kata helps lay a solid foundation for a lot in the future.. (I could be wrong on that, but that's just my initial guess)

 

Basics are the foundation. The basics are in kata and kumite. Work your basic punch, kick and stance. Everything improves when your basics improve.