katas

[karatekid1975]

MATX1 is right. We have a non-traditional kata (poomse, or hyung in Korean) for white belt. Then we do Taegeuk Ill Jang, Ee Jang and Sam Jang (green belt form). The green belts also learn the first one of two basic forms with a bo (non-traditional also).

In Jujitsu, I don't have a clue. I haven't learned a kata yet.

In TSD, we learned 5 kata up to green .... Kicho Ill bu, Ee bu, Sam bu, Pyung Ahn Cho dan, and Ee dan (still my fav ).

[shogeri]

At the highest green belt level, all of the basics must come into play.

Here are some basic features of many styles.

1) A solid foundation in the basic blocks, basic kicks, basic strikes, and basic stepping patterns.

2) A solid foundation in the basic self-defense techniques along with their principle use and application.

3) A student should be aware of the basic fighting techniques, such as: parry to the side, side-stepping, hands on guard, wieght shifting, not focusing on body parts but the whole situation, etc.

4) Breathing, balancing, flexibility, and overall dojo/dojang/school structure and focus.

5) The above should be reflected in the kata, kumite, bunkai, 1,2,3 step sparring, sabaki, etc., of the person who holds the rank of green belt.

6) A Green Belt student should be able to demonstrate, and explain, the basic features of kata, self-defense, stepping, strikes, blocks, kicks. falls, and takedowns on a level understandable by those at or below the same level of skill.

7) In sum, a Green Belt should have the same basic techniques as that of Black Belt.

The core structure of any style should support the idea that by green belt (or equivalent) level, the student has all they need in order to train, and grow into a better fighter and Martial Artist.

As the instructor slowly adds the advanced techniques, they are allowing the student to juxtapose all that they have learned in regards to basic technique, and the principle application thereof. This moves the person closer to what it means to obtain a Black Belt.

Again, from Green Belt to Black Belt, there should be less technique and more principle application.

This is done, so that by Black Belt level, all the advanced techniques learned from Green Belt forward also juxtapose into one common unit with the corresponding principle applications of those advanced techniques.

From Black Belt forward, this is when the kata are further explored. The fighting skills are perfected, the kumite/bunkia/san sou take on a life of their own, and so on.

Just some brief thoughts...