Varities in Kata Training

A few of the group kata practices I taught.

 

Kata Sho

          Kata Sho as a group drill.

          Kata Sho as a close order drill. Everyone shoulder to shoulder, or back to frong. Packed together tightly. Then the group performs the kata with the smallest possible techniques they can manage. *This helps them to learn to function as a team.

          Kata Sho with multiple striking. Replace strikes with 3 count multiple strikes. (Punch, Backfist the head, descending palm strike)

          Kata Sho with multiple striking, Replace strikes with 5 count multiple strikes (Punch, Backfist the head, descending palm strike, ascending Forearm strike to the head, Rolling snake strike to the eyes)

          Kata Sho with advanced timing and breathing. Multiple techniques on one breath. There are many versions possible, but we focus on one.

          Kata Sho as a 2 person form. Begin with the individuals two right shoulders facing each other about a foot apart. Performing the kata, they pass each other very closely, even banging arms with the low block. Then they pass near each other at the end when they close.

 

Kata Annaku

          Kata Annaku with Jing Do striking

 

Kata Seisan

          Kata Seisan as a two person drill

 

Kata Seiuchin

          Kata Seiunchin as a group drill.

 

Kata Wansu

          Kata Wansu as a 2 person close order drill, Done tightly together. You begin facing each other.

Kata Chinto

          Kata Chinto as a dueling drill, both parties performing the kata in different directions at the same time.

 

Group kata drills

           At their most basic level, they teach the basic rhythm of the kata and its basic breathing patterns. The also teach one to incorporate their senses, hearing and vision into the training. To be able to see what others are doing so everyone can coordinate their actions. This becomes most useful in self defense.

          At more advanced levels group kata becomes an individual challenge to become able to react to others intentional changes, and to try to trip others up when you make those unplanned changes. It is at this level it become a most important training tool. One that keeps giving.