KATA, A FORM

ORIGIN

The Kata is a set of movements which is fundamental to the practice of many styles of martial arts. Kata reflects the history, traditions and goal of Budo. From Kata we can understand the principle of its school. We can read from them as from a big Budo book. Martial arts developed in time when literacy among its practitioners was rare. The oral transmit ion was prior to written records. Thus it is not surprising to observe that there exist many versions of one Kata; this may simply be a reflection of interpretation and understanding. Other reason is the competition between rival schools. Very often Kata were modified when taught. Only few, very loyal students of style got a full and correct form. In Japan karate Kata-s had been Japan zed. On Okinawa they had a different name. It is also believed that many Kobudo kata have came and gone because of inadequate teaching methods. Nowadays each martial arts schools preserving traditional Kata-s which is very positive sign. Anyway beside these forms many of modern Kata-s had been created. Some of them are colored by music. Similar preservation of Kobudo techniques was popular in dance form. As a folk tradition it was cultivated in the mountain areas. Still it is  an excellent method to drill and develop while imaging to be attacked by Tengu-s, for example…

To understand Form better we must turn into China. Origin and concept of martial arts as we know and understand it today strongly connected with story of Bodhidarma. He was born as prince in India. Because of his origin he got a martial education and knowledge in Buddhism. Later he became a 28.Patriarch of Buddhism. Many of Buddhist missionaries from India left that time to China to spread their philosophy and religion there. It was a hazardous journey and such as trip required a person to be strong physically and spiritually. Thru Samarqand (at present day Uzbekistan) and thence via the Silk Road he came to China around 520 AD. As he found that Buddhism isn’t taught in correct way and recognized that he cannot succeed in emperor’s palace he settled at the Shao Lin ("Small or Pine forest") monastery near Luo yang, Heian province in southeast China. Here he modified Buddhism with Taoism to make it easier to understand by native Chinese and established Chan (Zen in Japanese) just a branch of Buddhism.
 

TAOISM

Before Buddhism spread from India, Taoist in China already developed "Tao," (Right Way), a philosophy of life which was in accord with nature. Prior to it there were individuals who lived close to nature and observed its characteristics. Taoist priest had very wide knowledge in many of nature science as in esoteric as well. For some period they were ruling the Empire. No important decision was taken prior to their approval. Build a palaces, fortress, bridges; going to war etc. was under their decision. Taoism was familiar even on rural China. However searching in Nature they were not content with merely existing in harmony with their surrounds but desired to control the forces of nature. An example they used a parabolic and hyperbolic metal mirrors to reflect or absorb a power (either positive or negative), permeating our body from environment. Other is their quest for immortality wherein they assiduously sought the elixir of life. Emperors believed them sent a many ships to sea for this mission, without positive result… Somehow it’s reminiscent of the alchemists in Europe.

They established a theory of Chi, meridians and Biological active points system known as Acupuncture today. Concept of it was also transferred to health practices and later into self-defense Tai Chi Chuan and Pa Kua. Bodhidharma introduced a set of eighteen physical drills to the monks at Shaolin monastery to strengthen them. It was one of the origins of Kata.
 

POSITIONS & MOVEMENTS

From physiology view Kata is a form of physical performance. Statically stereotypes (Budo postures) and dynamical stereotypes (Budo techniques) linked as chain with combination of breathing. Each sequence has a meaning thus only dedicated practitioner can understand deeply. On lower level is performed with concentration, imagination and channeling an energy. Medium level shows less physical effort while the highest is an empty mind performance. Movements are light, fast, simple perfect. Kata is a part its school syllabus and vice versa the concept of Ryu-ha is transmitted to it.
 

LIST OF KATA-S

WORK IN PROGRESS