Long ago I
decided to start with a number of simpler classic kata from a variety of
systems as a way to prepare my students for the study of Seisan kata. I was in
no rush to teach them and wanted to use the time involved to better prepare
them for Seisan, which I consider the core of their eventual black belt
examination.
While as
beginners I exposed them to a different number of very short mini-kata, from 4
to 8 movements long, to get them to understand what kata were. That always
proved successful. Then they all began with my Isshinryu-ized version of
Fyugata Sho (which I called Kata Sho not to give them a chance to play on the
name.
Within a few
short weeks they would learn the basic movement required for the form.
They when the
entire class performed the form together (a regular practice) the benefited
working with the others, as they felt anyone watching would not have their eyes
on them.
Another benefit
was they were then able to do the kata with all the others, realizing everyone
had started in the same place, and if the others could learn, in turn they
could learn. When performing the kata with more advanced students, their own
performance would grow ever stronger, as if they were able to absorb the
technique from the more advanced students.
We frequently
opened class with kata sho and then closed the class with kata sho. Every time
by the end of class they were stronger in their performance.
Then there were
the other uses I put my Kata Sho too.
1.
Among them a
close order drill with everyone attempting the kata with the smallest
techniques they could do. All shoulder touching shoulder, Chest touching back
ahead of them. The purpose was to have everyone perform the smallest technique
execution while staying together.
2.
Kata Sho with
basic multiple striking.
a.
3.
Kata Sho done
with an opposing partner.
a.
What this did
was to force the students to get more familiar with the kata, and of course
engage their other senses. The multiple striking practice was to set the stage
to have them proficient by black belt, in that it is never to early to begin
something.
And of course I have written about such things
before. Here are some of my posts from my blog.
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