Kata is the essence of Karate. Kata is, in its physical nature, a set of predetermined movements, which consists of defensive and offensive techniques arranged in a logical and practical sequence. Each movement and technique in a Kata is made up of selected elements suitable to circumstances of real world fighting. Katas are developed and scientifically improved over the course of time by Karate masters. The important elements of a kata are - Application of technique, Breathing, Timing, Speed, Shifting the center of gravity etc.

The movements in Kata allow the student to practice alone and to perfect his or her techniques. It serves the purpose of developing good posture, execution of techniques and mental concentration (focus). That is, to perfect the basic elements of karate.

Kata has evolved through centuries of practice and combat experience by the old masters. Kata embeds strategies of fighting designed to expose different parts of the opponent's body and follow-up with offensive techniques. Conversely, Kata is not combat. Sequential Kata techniques are not intended to replace the spontaneous counter attack required in actual combat. Each step of the Kata needs to be analyzed and understood before the Karateka can apply it to real fighting. Combat is too unpredictable to be reduced to a pre-arranged counter strategy that the pre-arranged counter movements offer.

The Karateka will notice that one of the key features of the Katas, and the one symbolizing the peaceful nature of karate as an art and way of life, is the fact that every Kata begins with a defensive technique. Karate as an art of self-defense, reinforces the philosophy of 'Karate ni senti nashi', which means, 'There is no first attack in Karate'.

Today it is impossible to trace, with any scientific degree of certainty, the exact development (especially the origin) of Katas. We do know, however, that the old masters, in addition to their actual combat experience, studied the combat techniques and movements in the fighting between animals. The old masters' combat experience and the fighting techniques of animals have been incorporated into the Kata by adopting the general sense and movement of particular animals.

Kata is the nucleus of the art of karate. Kata is what distinguishes karate from mere kickboxing. Kata is a measurable expression of the discipline of karate. There can be no karate without Kata. Indeed, there is no "art" without Kata. The spirit of karate is discovered in the Kata; in its movement and in its expression of technique. It is usually discovered when the Karateka is quietly practicing a Kata alone.

Until recently, the Katas were kept secret and were not practiced in public by Karate practitioners. In the past, the Karate masters taught Katas to only a handful of trusted students. Many ancient Katas were also lost because of this secrecy. During that time, the Kata formed the major part of training in Karate.

Many of the Kata names are Chinese or Japanese numbers symbolizing Buddhist concepts. For example, Suparinpei (the number 108 in Chinese) has special significance in Buddhism. It is believed that man has 108 evil passions, and so in Buddhist temples on December 31st, at the stroke of midnight, a bell is rung 108 times to drive away those spirits.

The number 108 in Suparinpei is calculated from 36 X 3. The symbolism of the number 36 is given in the explanation of Sanseiru, which follows. The number 3 symbolize past, present and future.

Another example is the Kata Sanseiru, written in Chinese characters, is the number 36. Symbolically it is calculated from the formula 6 X 6. The first six represents eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and spirit. The second six symbolizes sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and justice. The number 18, similarly, symbolize the Kata Seipai. It is calculated from 6 X 3. The six here is the second six of Sanseiru. The three represents good, bad, and peace.

Similarly in Japanese Gojushiho means 54, for 54 steps, and nijushiho means the number 24, for the 24 steps involved in it.

In Shito Ryu, there are all the Shorin Ryu Katas, all the Shorei Ryu Katas, the Chinese white crane Katas, plus the Katas devised by Master Kenwa Mabuni himself from his broad knowledge and experiences, a total of more than sixty Katas.

SHITO RYU KATAS

Kata in Competitions

There are 2 categories of Shiai Kata, one being the Individual Kata and the other, the Team Kata event. In the individual Kata event, each of the contestants are to perform a Kata of their choice from the Official Schedule (list) of WKF Shitei Kata and are evaluated by a panel of judges. The Kata performance must have demonstrated correct focus of attention (Chakugan), use of power, good balance and proper breathing. The contestant must also demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles the Kata contains.

In the Team Kata, each team is made up of 3 exclusively male or female contestants. In this event, the 3 contestants are to perform the same Kata. This is especially interesting to watch, as the team would execute each movement in synchronized timing and accuracy. The judges would look for timed co-ordination among team members and the accuracy of the Kata being performed.

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF WKF KATAS