 |
 |
While I have no single favorite kata, seisan was the first kata I learned in Isshinryu karate. It took the longest to learn. Once I cut my teeth on that one, the rest were easy. If I had to choose a favorite kata at this point in time, then kusanku would be my favorite. It has a double jump kick, chinto stances, a flying crescent kick, and several kick/punch combos (like the one in the photo). So what's not to love?
My Sensei has an instructional website (www.syiks.com). I subscribe to it so I am able to watch each kata endlessly. And I do. He records my kata periodically and posts the recording on his website with helpful critique for me. With his website I am able to view drills, kata and weapons I have learned thus far should I have a question about any part.
Now on to how I learn kata. To process a kata I learn it in sections which is how it is taught to us in class and how it is demonstrated on my sensei's website. The very first time I am introduced to a kata though, I begin by writing down every more, specifically where my hands are placed, what direction my body is to be facing and what stance I should be in.
My next phase is when I start physically working the kata. I start with the beginning section and repeat it many times. Repetition works best for me. In time I add the next piece. I start from the beginning, attach the new segment and again practice these many times. I add subsequent parts until I finish the kata.
I think about kata when I am going to sleep. Running through a kata in my mind helps me think about each move and where I need to improve or change things up a bit like the timing, for example. It also helps me relax.
Recently I started assisting in teaching kata and at the same time see kata objectively. I may have been practicing a kata a certain way only to realize I added something or perhaps deleted something.
In conclusion, if I ever bolster the courage to get a tattoo, it will say: Got Kata? I enjoy practicing and perfecting each kata. It's part of who I am and what I do as a karate-ka.
Thanks, Stacy, for the vote of confidence. I really do love kata. Isshinryu rocks!! Thank you Russ Hatcher for providing the photos.
