Kata at a Glance
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Kata are the soul of KARATE, and all lessons inherent in our system are presented in a progressive manner through our kata. We do not perform kata like most, we practice kata to extract the most out of them. We explore the four aspects of learning kata; Bunkai, Oyo, Henka and Kakushi.
Balanced Transitional Foundations Form was designed to aid the practioner in achieveing solid transitional foundations in-which to build powerful techniques on.
Short Form was designed to introduce and aid the practioner in achieving an understanding of H.A.P.V., and the basic concepts it would take in order to address any threat.
1st Control Form is a progressive beginner form taught in two parts. It appeals to the beginner’s sledge hammer mentality and focuses on the extension or delivering of all technique. It also educates the practitioner to the most basic elements of a physical confrontation. The practitioner is encouraged to pay close attention to their hand gestures, head movements, postures, balance points and angles, commit the kata to more than just memory. One must delve into and internalize the why in order to truly understand the how of each technique and combination.
2nd Control Form is an intermediate form designed to educate the practitioner on how to retract all technique in order to be in a position to follow up with the next most logical technique. The practitioner is encouraged to pay close attention to foot placements, balance points and postures. Think of a snow ball rolling down hill gaining in size and destructive ability.
3rd Control Form is an intermediate form designed to educate the practitioner on how to control their opponents position by way of hand checks and proper foot work, provide balance in fighting by educating one to use both arms and legs to compliment each other. The practitioner is encouraged to pay close attention to their angles and postures. This form can be compared to an avalanche and the destructive power it possesses. When the ability to understand and execute this form in a proficient manner is achieved one is eligible to test for brown belt.
4th Control Form is an advanced form designed to educate the practitioner on how to harmonize with the opponents movement. At this point the practitioners confidence, conditioning and mentality are at heightened levels so now the effort of fighting is effortless like the destructive ability of a strong gust of wind. When the ability to understand and execute these forms proficiently is achieved one is eligible to test for black belt.
The 5th is a series of Short Stick Forms that are designed to educate the practitioner to the basics of the weapon. The practitioners reflexes will also be enhanced because of the nature of the weapon. Once this series is learned utilizing the short stick we replace the weapon with a knife to show the similarity between the two. One begins to understand that any object can be used to protect one’s self through understanding the essence of the object. The series contains the basic angles of attack, strikes, cuts, slashes, disarms, weapon retention, traps, stabs and body placement concepts which take full advantage of the practitioners knowledge of the body.
The 6th form is an advanced weapon form called Suburi which when properly done will bring the practitioner to a new beginning. When exploring and learning the why and how of the sword many things become evident in all other areas of life. When the ability to understand and execute this form in a proficient manner is achieved one is eligible to test for a Teachers certificate.
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