I don't understand some people's philosophy about katas

[karate_woman]

The interesting thing about kata is the way the person underneath comes through in doing their kata. Although the moves are the same, the person delivering them shines through, and the way a person does their kata upon reaching their yellow belt is different then how that same person will do it when they reach their black belt, and beyond.

 

As for why it is important, well Sensei Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Ryu is quoted as saying that the essence of goju is in the kata. Good enough for me! Discovering the different levels of bunkai in kata is such a thrill.

[monkeygirl]

What a great way of putting it, karate_woman! I agree completely.

 

In fact, I was watching an old tournament video of myself as a green belt, doing my green belt kata in competition. I won with the kata but I was still amazed at how much I've changed and improved. Also at how long my hair was...I had a ponytail :pony: and now my hair is really short