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 .
- 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
- Importance of correct position of each ‘block’ to facilitate delivery of follow on techniques
- 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
- Timing, Rythm, Speed
- Upper and lower body harmony, expansion and contraction
- Breathing and power
- Skilfulness of the techniques
and their affect on the delivery and performance of the Kata itself.
Jion
Seienchin