Creating Musical Forms/Kata/Patterns?

[koreantiger81]

For my up-coming belt test, I am required to create a form to music. For those of you who have done musical forms or have created musical forms, perhaps you can answer some of my questions.

 

1. does it have to be fast? exciting? (I've only seen fast ones at tournaments.)

 

2. Will including too many tradional techniques make the form look boring and less exciting?

 

3. Do you have any other suggestions?

[three60roundhouse]

http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=3612&forum=2&6

 

That was recently posted, perhaps you and Dee could discuss strategies?

 

 

 

[Withers M.A.A.]

I used to compete nationally in forms and musical forms. The form does not have to be completly fast. Get some music that starts slow then explodes into something fast and loud. Start the form slowly then when the music starts do faster techniques. Combine hand and foot combinations. If you have any specific questions about this email me at black96cobra@aol.com and I will help you as much as possible. I have tons of experience in t his field.

 

Pete

 

 

[DeeLovesKarate]

Hey, man!! I think it would be best to do it to fast music, with some theatrics mixed in, like facial expressions that say " oh, no, I'm surrounded!" At the end of the musical form, there should be a loud "kiai"., for effect. I've found that you get better reactions with the kiai. The music you chose shouldn't be too slow , but not too fast that you can't keep up with it. Something with a steady backround beat would work well, but that's just my opinion. And I've found it works best to do the moves to the music, not the lyrics, since that is extremely difficult. Hmmm.. what else?? Oh, yes, you should find out the exact criteria for your form from your sensei, just so you have something to work around.

 

A few tips about choice of dress, as read in BB Magazine.

 

1. Black gi makes you look faster.

 

2. White gi makes you look cleaner.

 

3. If you want to mix, never do a black top with white bottoms, or vice versa. It will make you look squished to the floor.

 

4. If you have long hair, tie it back, since this can be distracting to the performer and the audience.

 

Oh, also, flashy moves are a big crowd pleaser, and a few cartwheels and/or flips will help, if you can do them. Basic moves are okay, but make sure you aren't copying another kata by mistake, which we all tend to do once in a while. The number one most important thing is fluidity, and tecnique.

 

Hope I've helped and not confused you too much!!

 

Grrrrrr,

 

Dee

 

 

[Withers M.A.A.]

I hope the info I gave you in my email will help you. If you need any more info just let me know and I'll be more than happy to help.

 

Pete

 

 

[monkeygirl]

Classical music is always very nice if you want to be artistic, while rock is good for intensity.

 

I always thought that doing a kata to Rhapsody in Blue (at least just a section of it) would be very cool, because of its beginning and all the changes in the music.

 

Perhaps, if other people are testing with you and have this same requirement, you could work with another student and do a form to Dueling Banjos! Trade back and forth between your partner to get the "dueling" effect. To make this even better, try making it a weapon form, where for example, you have a bo staff and your partner has the nunchaku. That is, if your school does weapons and if it's ok with your instructor. Weapons or no, it'd still be something "creative and nifty" and could lighten the mood of your test if they tend to drag.

 

Just a general note: You know your instructor's attitude and whether or not s/he would definitely disapprove of something humorous or working with a partner.

 

 

[Iron Arahat]

Wear one sparkle glove, and do it to some Micheal Jackson music.

 

Make sure to grab your groin lots and Kiah!

[DeeLovesKarate]

On 2002-07-28 11:11, monkeygirl wrote:

 

Classical music is always very nice if you want to be artistic, while rock is good for intensity.

 

I always thought that doing a kata to Rhapsody in Blue (at least just a section of it) would be very cool, because of its beginning and all the changes in the music.

 

I always thought of doing a kata to bohemien rhapsity and "Hero" by the lead singer of nickelback.

 

Grrrrrrr,

 

Dee