All You Need Is?

Well, love of course, but in this case, I'm writing about what largely defines how you perform your kata.

The answer is "Imagination". Not fanciful mental structuring of techniques which subdues your enemy and earns you style points, but a realistic interpretation of each techniques' intent: it's attack and defense strengths and weaknesses.  For me each kata is a series of interchangeable techniques which can be combined in a myriad of ways. The original performance of the entire kata should always follow the ark of training under your predominant style, but I firmly believe each person must stamp each kata learned with his or her own personal interpretation, which is what solidifies their understanding of its intent in real world situations.

Like stated in many sports, vivid intentioned imagination of successful and interpretive (in the case of artistic sports) techniques, is what separates the champions from everyone else.  But again, the techniques in karate and other martial endeavors, must have a legitimate, feasible purpose which quickly ends a self defense situation. Good kata is when these types of techniques are applied in a powerful and well balanced manner displaying the kata's intent in an artistic way.

For me, distance is the first thing I think of when analyzing a technique.  Does it make more sense when applied in close, mid distance, or longer distance?  What is each limbs purpose? Work through different potential applications mentally and arrive at two or three that seem reasonable for applying under stressful situations.  Keep in mind each limb is most certainly actively engaged in completing a successful application of attack.  Pushing, pulling; twisting, dropping; tripping, throwing; striking, kicking  - all are alternatives when working out the applications of the kata.  Some seem obvious, a punch is a punch, isn't it?  Think! Consider! And learn so much more...

Well, that's all for now...