Techniques Hidden in Katas

[sensei8]

I guess the moves aren't "hidden" per say, rather they are just waiting to be found and interpreted. The main point for all of this (in my opinion, at least) is to not overlook kata and assume they are just an old tradition from ancient arts.

I just get a little irritated when people think of (and sometimes perform) katas like they are just some organized flailing of the arms. Some people may just not have interest in performing katas, but this does not take away from their importance to many arts, and how they incorporate important techniques into the kata's movements.

I agree, Kata should be performed with intent!

The difference between a martial artist and some one that just replicates the moves (not unlike a dancer) is intent!

K.

Solid posts...both of them!!

[shoshinkanuk]

I would say the deeper concepts and techniques are hidden, unless you have an instructor that knows them there is little chance you would discover them, however 'hard' you train.

Thats not to say you couldn't make use of kata and find alot of things on your own etc.

[Kusotare]

I would say the deeper concepts and techniques are hidden, unless you have an instructor that knows them there is little chance you would discover them, however 'hard' you train.

I'd have to agree with that.

A lot of the time teachings in kata based systems have what is referred to as Omote and Ura aspects. The Ura can only be exposed with the help of an instructor who knows his or her stuff.

It goes a lot deeper than most people think as well, for example most systems worth their salt have kata designed to generate internal energy/strength and stability - however it is not immediately obvious as to how and why!

K.

[vantheman]

I would say the deeper concepts and techniques are hidden, unless you have an instructor that knows them there is little chance you would discover them, however 'hard' you train.

Thats not to say you couldn't make use of kata and find alot of things on your own etc.

Definitely. I also find that having a foundation in several different arts may help you find some of these things. What may just seem like some obscure strikes to a karate instructor can have a much deeper application to a Kung-Fu practitioner.