Kata Forms

Kata Forms
If you are enrolled in a traditional Karate school, the average number of Kata required for promotion to Black belt is usually 12 or more

Kata the aims of Kata
The aim of Kata is usually 3 fold Practising: techniques at all levels

Demonstrating skills: such as speed, concentration & power

Competition Kata: usually thought to be the foundation for all Karate traditions, namely etiquette, spirit, balance, power, control, accuracy, co ordination and focus.

Kata competition
Although there are no set dimensions for a contest area, it must be large enough to allow contestants to execute their Kata without obstruction.

The Chief Kata Judge will sit at the perimeter of the competition area facing the contestant(s). Four other judges will sit at each of the corners. All five judges will have a red and a blue flag.

At the start of each bout and in answer to their names, the two contestants, one wearing a red belt, and the other wearing a blue belt, will line up at the match area perimeter facing the Chief Judge.

After moving to the starting position and declares the name of the Kata to be performed.

AKA will then perform their Kata.

On completion of the Kata AKA will then leave the area to await the performance of OU.

Competing in Kata competitions requires careful selection of the Kata performed and some tips include: -

Choose a Kata you really enjoy performing
Choose a Kata you are truly familiar with
Listen closely to your Instructors advice
Warm up at least 15 minutes prior to performance
Have a good reliable backup Kata in case of a tie
Always complete your Kata even if you make a mistake
To perform a Kata well you must feel and understand it

In assessing the performance of contestant or team the Judges will be looking for the following:

A realistic demonstration of the Kata meaning.
Understanding of the techniques being used (BUNKAI).
Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance, and focus of power (KIME).
Correct and proper use of breathing.
Correct focus of attention (CHAKUGAN) alertness and concentration.
Correct stances (DACHI) with proper tension in the legs, and feet flat on the floor.
Proper tension in the abdomen (HARA) and no bobbing up and down of the hips when moving.
Correct form (KIHON) of the style being demonstrated.
The performance should also be evaluated with a view to discerning other points.
In 3 man or women Team Kata synchronisation without external cues is an added factor.

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