"The Case For Less"...an approach to forms trainin

[joesteph]

This is a different spin from kata-based curriculum, but at the web site of Iain Abernethy, if you go to Articles at the top menu and select "What They Should Know" by Dave Nielsen (as "Guest 12"), you'll find a section that says:

White Belt Requirements for 10th Kyu . . .

3 - Demonstrate at least 3 self-defense techniques first through explanation and then through physical performance alone and with a partner.

4 - Utilizing the self defense techniques that you know, show how you can defend against more than one of the common acts of human violence that you have learned. . . .

6 - Perform basics as described by your instructor. . . .

After the beginner student has shown the knowledge required for the requirements then it is time to introduce them to their first kata. The reason that I personally introduce a student's first kata at the second level is that they are now trained in a manner of study from the first set of requirements. They will find it easier to attempt the pattern of the given kata and realize that each technique works for a purpose and that it is not just a performance.

Both the Black Belt article by Steven Pearlman and the Abernethy guest article by Dave Nielsen seem very interested in the beginning stages, to lay the right foundation. There's a different approach presented by each author, but each one does exhibit good reasoning.

[sensei8]

Do you think that having a "kata-based curriculum" has in a way reduced how much one kata can be explored?

YES! Kata shouldn't be taught FOR THE SAKE OF RANK!

Yet, on that question, it would, imho, greatly depend on the instructor's level of knowledge. Notice I didn't say anything about the instructor's level of skill, and I didn't because skill is important but not as important as knowledge, imho.

A martial artist, imho, with a great deal of knowledge, and is mature in that knowledge, can choose one, two, or more kata to explore. They have that ability and that right! This is the choice of the martial artist.

Are all the katas a necessary evil?

YES!

I believe that if a martial artist wanted to learn/study Heian Shodan ONLY! This kata would be enough, after some time, to protect oneself.

Necessaties or near necessaties are laced with many tangibles, but, it's the intangibles that determine the course of any martial artist.

I believe in Kata, my style has 26 empty hand kata's, but, I do think at times that all of these kata's can cloud up ones mind. Kata, like Bunkai is a practice of exploration of those effective possibilities of the technique(s) within any said kata.

If I did Tekki Shodan and Tekki Shodan only for the rest of my life, I would be no more and/or no less than someone who has 50 kata's rattling around in their brains. It's not quantity, it's quality!

Don't only believe in kata, but, believe in yourself...first!

[sensei8]

It doesn't really matter what I/anybody else might or might not say. Because, in the end, it's what you say that truly matters. Our insights are only small parts in your martial arts journey. You and only you have the right to regard/disregard any advice. After all, it's your journey, not mine, not ours.

[bushido_man96]

Yes, very true, Bob. But all thoughts and considerations are very much appreciated.

[sensei8]

Yes, very true, Bob. But all thoughts and considerations are very much appreciated.

Yes they are, oh yes they are!