Kata: the Fundamental Element of Martial Arts

[Sohan]

I enjoy kata mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is meditative and completely engaging for me when performing it. It does indeed make me a better fighter and I would do it if I were stuck on a tropical deserted island knowing that I would never meet another human soul.

Between pina coladas, of course.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[KarateK]

i agree, if you take away kata karate is no longer an art

Thats the crux of it for me.

Kata is not just for competitions or to show off different moves, it helps you understand how more than one strike, kick etc can be used in conjunction when being attacked.

One strike is often not enough, you need to know how to follow it up. Learning kata as opposed to learning individual strikes or kicks helps you with coordination and the imagination to know what moves will work in certain situations.

[bushido_man96]

That article very well makes the case for katas. A very nice article indeed.

You mentioned "making your own kata." Sounds like a good idea, studying moves in depth, and putting them together with principles in mind....oh, the possibilities!

[UseoForce]

Okay, I disagree with the whole premise here. I do several martial arts and NONE of them have kata.

[KarateK]

Well thats the beauty of this forum - everyone entitled to their own opinions UseoForce