KARATE KATA

 Kata translates to "form" and also "a struggle with an imaginary opponent." This is a set of predetermined movements which consists of defensive and offensive techniques. This set of moves has its exact form and order in which the techniques are performed. Katas are a stylized way of fighting. Being a self-defense discipline karate always precedes an attack by the defense that is followed by a counterattack. Kate are intended as a set of movements that illustrate the various types of attack and defense under ideal conditions. It is important to remember that they are developed while literacy was not common in Okinawa or China, so physical routines were the logical method for storing this type of information. There are about a hundred katas in various styles of karate, each with some specific variations.

SYMBOLICS OF KATA:

Katas are directly linked to the four elements, a different Karateka may have different approaches that are traditionally associated with these elements.

* performer associated with the ground is firm, dedicated to creating and running the floor strong

   and intense.

* performer associated with the wind is moving harmoniously, vigorously and with a calm ease.

* performer associated with the fire is passionate in the performance of Kate he brings light and life,

   radiating a warm and sincere energy.

* performer associated with the water is natural, in harmony with the movements that flow one

   from another.

SYSTEM classification:

Katas are an integral part of staging karate trainees. Although not a prerequisite for entry levels, intermediate and advanced levels of performance are assessed by different katas. It is amazing to observe kata teams at the contests. While entering the arena - the faces outline energy and determination to show the performance in accordance with the preparedness and skill assisted by harmony and agility, the air is filled with excitement and expectation. Karateka emit energy that inspires all the viewers.

MEANING OF TERMS USED IN KATA

Kata - form

PUPILS KATA:

Heian Shodan - "stable and secure" / "first level"

Heian Nidan - "stable and secure" / "second level"

Heian Sandan - "stable and secure" / "third level"

Heian Yondan - "stable and secure" / "fourth level"

Heian godan - "stable and secure" / "fifth level"

PREMASTER KATE:

Tekki shodan - "iron horseman," "first level"

Tekki Nidan - "iron horseman," / "second level"

Tekki Sandan - "iron horseman," / "third level"

MASTERCLASS KATE:

Jion - "compassion and mercy" (a Buddhist term, possibly the name of a temple)

empi - "flying swallow"

Bassai Dai - "the destruction of fortresses" ("higher" version)

kankuu dai - "observing the sky / emptiness" ("higher" version)

Bassai sho [Shoham] - "the destruction of fortresses" ("small" version)

kankuu sho [Shoham] - "observing the sky / emptiness" ("small" version)

unsu [unsu] - "cloud hands"

Jutte / jitte - "ten hands"

Hangetsu - "Crescent"

nijuushiho - "Twenty-four steps"

gankaku - "Heron on the rock"

Sochin [soh-chin] - "power and control"

gojuushiho (DAI) - "Forty-four steps" ("higher" version)

gojuushiho sho [Shoham] - "Forty-four steps" ("small" version)

Meikyu [Meikyu] - "great mirror"

ji'in - "compassion and shadows" (probably some of the temples)

chintu - "Some of the hand"

wankan - "kings crown"