The Importance of Practicing Katas in Shotokan Karate

I wrote this little article for the FMK newsletter, I spent so much time compulsing over it.
I had to slap it onto my blog. Enjoy!

The Importance of Practicing Katas
James Richtsmeier

Kata review is the most effective method of improving technique. No matter what you have achieved, there is always room for improvement. As students advance, we often forget parts of Katas that we have already learned. Everyone needs to review. Continual practice is essential and should be a part of everyone’s routine.

Set aside some time at home or anywhere outside of the dojo, to practice your Katas. The first few should be slow and even to emphasize technique. The last one should be performed quickly. Make sure to make it as fluid and full of emotion as possible. Reference and study the many resources that Sensi has made available to double check your technique. Some examples are the tutorials and .mpeg movies on the school website, and Sensi’s Kata Dvd’s.

When time permits before or even after class, find a partner and practice. Take turns leading a Kata, help each other out as you go along. If you are leading a kata and can’t remember the next move, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. It’s better to make mistakes and learn from them then not to try at all.

Kata practice should be carried out with the same intention as homework. That is to test, reinforce and extend knowledge of karate. Our goal as martial artists is to strive for perfection. Have faith in yourself. Remember that practice makes perfect regardless of the color of your belt.