THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW OF

KATA TRAINING
THE WHAT
By definition, a KATA is a pre-arranged series of martial art movements and techniques that are
ideally designed to enhance awareness . In laymen’s terms, a Kata could be considered a type of
concentrated martial arts dance.

THE WHY
1. Your beginning into a DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS in which through time and practice
will lead to an advanced form of exercise. At first learning kata may be a bit of a pain but
within a relatively short time it will form the working cornerstone of the advanced
student/teacher relationship.
2. THE BEST WAY TO WIN A FIGHT IS NOT TO GET IN ONE- Training for TOTAL
AWARENESS means perceiving potential trouble BEFORE it slaps you in the face, kicks
you in the butt, etc. etc. Unless your in law enforcement, have had previous Military
training or are in a constant predator /prey relationship ,TRAINING AWARENESS to the
average citizen will be a developmental process.
THERE ARE THREE LEVELS OF AWARENESS TRAINING
• PHYSICAL AWARENESS- The EXACT application of stances, blocks, self defense
techniques , etc. etc.
• VISUAL AWARENESS- Visually scanning your surroundings in order to see what is in
front of you, to the sides and behind you. Any attacker that is within 20 feet of us is
considered to be in our ATTACKING CIRCLE.
• MENTAL AWARENESS- Developing the self discipline to DO WHAT YOU DO - WHILE
YOUR DOING IT. The question to ask, Is there anything in your everyday life that requires
TOTAL CONCENTRATION to the activity at hand? (Video games, maybe. Perhaps driving
the car- a big maybe with some). It would be difficult to perform a flawless kata while
thinking about what’s for lunch. Kata training enhances and develops MENTAL FOCUS.

PAGE 2- KATA THEORY-

3. THE TEACHING OF KATA PLACES GREAT EMPHASIS ON DETAILED FORM. We tend to be far
more precise when teaching kata as compared to basics or self defense technique. It is through
kata training that we connect to the ART FORM of Martial Arts, without it we would be just a bunch
of brawlers.

4. KATA’S ARE A GREAT AEROBIC WORKOUT- While progressing from the beginning to
advanced stages of FORMS TRAINING, you will discover that kata workouts can be an incredibly
versatile form of exercise including Cardio Vascular, Dynamic Tension, Fight Technique and
Mental conditioning.

5. KATA’S ARE A FORM OF MARTIAL ART COMPETITION.

6. CAUSE I’M THE SENSEI , THAT WHY! And if you want to get your Orange belt and move on the
next level. YOU HAVE TO LEARN THE KATA!!!

THE HOW
THE TEACHING EMPHASIS IN KATA TRAINING

1. BASIC MEMORIZATION- Initially, there are no short cuts to remembering the kata, it’s just
basic memory, pure and simple. While progressing into the more advanced levels of forms
training we will teach via WORD ASSOCIATION. Also noteworthy, whatever technique you
 need for the current kata will be taught on the PROCEEDING BELT CHART.

2. DEMONSTRATE EMOTIONAL FORTITUDE- Like a big Tiger stalking it’s prey, show
INTENSITY in your eyes and body language when performing kata. Visualize an opponent
entering your ATTACKING CIRCLE and train those reflexive actions with intensity.

PAGE 3- KATA THEORY

3. WORK STRONG AND CENTERED STANCES- Move “Catlike” from stance to stance without
allowing your head to go up and down but conversely not dragging your feet either. Flow in
transition on an even plane.

4. EXECUTE STRONG, MUSCULAR UPPERBODY TECHNIQUE- Display “DYNAMIC TENSION” in

all your blocking and striking technique.
Remember how much bigger Bruce Lee got when he would take off his shirt and start
warming up?
KENPO FLOWS LIKE WATER AND HITS LIKE STEEL
A “Hard Stylist” displays Dynamic Tension through out their movement where conversely
a “Soft Stylist uses power primarily on IMPACT. As a aspiring Kenpo artist, you will be
encouraged to utilize both the hard and soft elements of forms training when working your
blocking and striking technique.

5. PROBER BREATHING TECHNIQUE- The rule for control in all athletic endeavors remains
consistent. Don’t hold your breath while on the other hand Don’t overexert your breathing either.
Breathing too audibly shows lack of body control and also “telegraphs” your intended movement.
Develop a Circular Breathing Pattern
Naturally, there are times to be EXPLOSIVE in your breathing but it is a matter of timing. Ideally,
your air should flow in a circular pattern through your nose, down into the diaphragm and out the
mouth.
DON’T FORGET - The first thing you need to do in order to control a situation is get your
breathing under control. DON’T FREEZE UP!!

•SOME DIFFERENT TYPES OF KATAS

•BASIC BLOCKING AND STRIKING SETS
•SELF DEFENSE TECHNIQUES ORGANIZED INTO A KATA FORMAT
•SELF DEFENSE WEAPON KATA/ART FORM WEAPON KATA
•COMPETITION SETS
•TWO PERSON SETS
•INTERNAL ‘HEALTH SETS”- Tai chi/Chi Kung
•HARD AND SOFT STYLE ADVANCED SETS-Both weapons and hand sets
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