We recently ran a Kata class for members, it focussed upon a number of key Kata, split by grade and ability and the key principles and concepts within each.

Heian Sandan / Heian Yondan / Pinan Godan 

Although these three kata come from different style, they all cover similar concepts and .

  1. Correct use of fundamental stances (Front Stance/Zenkutsu Dachi, Horse Stance/Kiba Dachi or Sumo Stance/Shiko Dachi and Back Stance/Kokutsu Dachi or Cat Stance/Neko Ashi Dachi) in terms of foot and knee placement, weight distribution, use of hips and rooting/power sourcing
  2. Importance of correct position of each ‘block’ to facilitate delivery of follow on techniques
  3. As a way of ‘mastering’ the fundamentals of that style before moving onto the more advanced and complicated Kata

 

Seienchin / Nipaipo / Jion 

These kata were taught to more advanced students, generally Brown belt and above, as they  should already have a firm grasp of the key principles, we looked at

  1. Timing, Rythm, Speed
  2. Upper and lower body harmony, expansion and contraction
  3. Breathing and power
  4. Skilfulness of the techniques

and their affect on the delivery and performance of the Kata itself.

Jion

Seienchin