Moving Zen
Analysis of kata
A kata is an arrangement of movements, which contains a series of logical and practical attacking and blocking techniques. In each kata there are certain set or prearranged movements, which the student can practice alone, without a partner. These Katas have been shaped after many years of research, training, and actual combat experience.The applications of the techniques in these kata have evolved from and have been tested in actual conflict. In this way each kata has been improved and refined, and has advanced into the kata we practice today. Because of the time and the Kata’s complex evolution it is impossible to trace the exact development that the kata underwent, but it is known that the masters studied the combative techniques and movements in the fighting between animal and animal, animal and man, and man to man. They also studied the composition of the human body and its relationship to combat, taking into account such factors as the circulation of the blood in a twenty-four hour day, the vulnerability of the vital points in relation to the time of day, and other cyclic laws of nature such as the rising and setting of the sun, and the rise and fall of the tides. All of these fundamentals are incorporated into the kata. The reason for developing kata also varied with the period and with the people who developed them. For instance, in China over 1600 years ago kata was developed and practiced for the purpose of self-defense, whereas the Buddhist monks would practice kata for the purpose of strengthening the spirit as well as the body.
The true meaning and spirit of karate are imbedded in the kata and only by the practice of kata can we come to understand them.
In karate there is no first attack. Every kata begins with a defensive movement, which exemplifies this spirit. Not only is there no first attack, but also the best defense is to avoid the fight altogether. That is why it is said that karate is the art of a sensible man.
To practice the kata correctly every movement must be repeated over and ever again. Only through steady repetition can the techniques become reflex action. Beneficially to that end, an important aspect of kata is that it can be practiced alone, anytime and anywhere. When a well-trained person performs kata, its dynamic power and beauty of movement become almost aesthetic in quality. There can be no boundary placed upon kata training. Moved by the kata, our attention is drawn within so deeply that inner-confusion gradually dissolves to where it no longer exists at all. By regulating the flow of air from within the body and synchronizing it with muscular expansion and contraction, the kata becomes a powerful vehicle of introspection through which internal thought and external performance are harmonized. Both external and internal disturbances fade away until they are no more disturbing than the distant sound of rolling thunder. Slowly but surely an immunity to life’s trivia and detachment from illusion becomes easier and quicker. Here again, Buddhist thought, as applied to kata, as "Moving Zen" is very appropriate. Beyond Tiredness and despite aching muscles, one experiences a sense of peacefulness within Kata. It is through this peace that our quest of fulfillment is realized.
Kata is not without its difficulties, it contains theoretical and symbolic movements, and it is not always easy to figure out what is happening without proper guidance. In fact, it is said that the Ancient Master used to hide meanings and special techniques within a kata in such a way that only the worthiest students would ever discover these meanings. For this reason, Bunkai (Analysis of kata) becomes very important to the sincere student.