The older I get the more kata becomes about the walking meditation for me. As a way of clearing my mind, and the overall physical health benefits. Bunkai is still important to know and understand from a teaching standpoint but I'm of the opinion the likelihood of needing it for self defense decreases with age.
The Forms are like moving meditation for me, I can practice by myself and it helps me to remember some of the moves I might have forgotten. I do desire more applications work 🙏
The more I search for a practical combat application for the high block, the more convinced I become that it was meant specifically as a ballistic push/pull exercise.
Interesting! You mean like a grappling frame, jockeying for position to set up something else? 🤔 I will go to the mountain to reflect on this. Thank you, sir! 🙏🏻
So if you're in a kneeling position and your attacker is looming over you about to strike down the high block is useless? If the addage holds true that every block is an attack" I can see an application in using it as a neck strike upward or maneuver into a choke or control position.
The high “block” is a throw or an under carry into a throw. Or a strike with the forearm. From inside your opponent’s arms, drop down and move underneath one of the arms to flank, rise up from under their arm with a rising high block as you turn your body and throw the guy over your leg. If you must, capture their other arm with your other arm. This is why certain forms will pair the high block with a “punch.” The punch is actually hand fighting to facilitate the throw. To strike with the high block: use a falling step as you raise your forearm into your chosen target. The forearm rotates as it contacts (like how a punch turns over) to create acceleration and move the target. Either way, your final posture will resemble a high “blocking” or hooked position. The blocking strike can also be used at a middle or low position. Striking and rotating into the opponent’s arm instead of their face, for example.
The best value that I get from kata is muscle memories, so I can perform a technique without having to think much about it, and i can focus on my opponent's movements instead.
I've always liked Tekki Shodan, but I never really do any other of the 30+ kata I've learned because for the time spent, I can do more practical training, like sparring and grappling.
True story ... I was ambush attacked on the street and used a technique from kata that I never practiced as a sparring technique. I just did it without any thought. It's one of those techniques that looks weak and impractical. It knocked the guy to the ground. Then his girlfriend ran over and yelled "Leave him alone." So I did.
Excellent views, i agree. For me, Kata is the tool that helps us synchronize our thought and our action. Kata for us, is built in sections, similar to partner combinations which represent attack and defense situations. Kata helps you to execute your technique accurately, with purpose and focus to be in sync with the moment of the movement.
Nice explanation. Via Kung-Fu which in there it's called Taolu, or Goju Ryu Karate, I know these forms. You know why I did it at the time? To up scale the ranking system, that's it. I didn't enjoy it, I didn't consider it, as something I want to teach in the future. But, today with 35 years of wiser brain, here is the thing- Forms were created hundreds and sometimes thousands of years ago, to tackle situations, that were true to the same time, but not necessarily true for today. However, if you control one-three forms, you can take something from one form, combining something from another form, and it works for you in real life. So I practice some forms, not much, and by knowing different moves, I am composing some Taolu of my own. So, it's mostly for fun, relaxing, breathing and good health, that's what it should be. And for martial arts, I will focus more on sparing, and effective techniques for real life, when I will teach one day. And the Taolu part will be very small. Because it's not right for me, to focus on that, but I respect the Kung-Fu and Karate traditions. That's why I do it, tradition and keeping myself healthy and calm, it's important.
Highly recommend the book The Way of Kata by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder. Also if you haven’t binged Iain Abernethy’s kata videos yet (or really all his videos). Go do so immediately.
I think Ando knows already, so this is for people watching his channel: Pinan/Heian was created as a beginner's kata by Anko Itosu, a big name in Okinawan Karate. According to experts, it's supposed to have something for every range of a stand-up confrontation.
I like your take on kata vs bunkai. 2 other YT channels (channel owners) whose take I like (& they're philosophically pretty similar to yours) are: Jesse Enkamp & The Art of One Dojo. You've already done a few smashing collabs with Jesse; how about one with The Art of One Dojo guy? He seems like a cool & well-informed expert...
Agree. My old katate instructor snapped at anyone who didn't "Practice" at home or look 100% accurate for a form on a belt test, including me (he had major anger problems). He could be a jerk at some times. I quit going there in 2021. I'm not currently doing any arts, but if I do decide to return to martial arts, I will remember this.
I take the third approach. Kata is also good exercise at a fast pace is aerobic. During the pandemic Kata was one of the few ways I could continue to train. Sparring or Kumite is also very important. If you are following the number one rule situational awareness you will probably never need to defend yourself and your training including kata is just a fun way to stay in shape.
Depends on the person, everyone is different. Forms work wonders for some people and are useless for others. Me, I'm a forms man all the way. I love forms and live for forms. But not everyone is like that. "There are many paths up to the top of the mountain", and practicing forms is only one of the paths.
@@lionsden4563 WHY? You are immediately doing what Sensei Ando admonishes... making a blanket conclusion.,, without substance. What's worse, Dude,,, you further discredit yourself by labeling those with another opinion,,, as 'delusional.' Yeah, you are completely correct, however,,,, those with the intellect of a 6 year old will find no value in kata. IOW, YOU.
Simple, deep & easy 2 understand explanation. I guess it can be applied to everything which we believe or not. 4 me personally, it is some sort of meditation. It helps me 2 coordinate my mind & body. Keeps me away from outside 4 period of time.
I haven't watched this yet-- but my answer is YES certainly-- a grounded foundation in the very BASICS is essential. There are many benefits, and improvement chances to it.. bu the short answer- is YES- definitely.
I like to use these 'blocks' as strikes. Sometimes to my opponents head and body, sometimes to the grabbing/attacking hand. Chudan Ude uke, manji uke and kosa uke are grip breaking strikes for me!. The rest of blocks, i believe, are attacks to body and face/chin, for the most part!.
I use kata as for balance drills plus to help clear the mind after a long session of work out kata does work in self defense situation its how you train in it.
I think they are a big part of learning Martial arts. They are putting several techniques together.. Mostly they are teaching good habits. Strive for perfection doing them and in all things you do. Martial arts are a lifestyle, not just self-defenses or just life skills. They both should be a part of it. Myself, I hope never to have to need the physical aspect of self-defenses. Life skills, use every day.
Always a pleasure to hear from you, sir! Yes, the discipline of practice in and of itself is important for building character. Thanks for the reminder!
I think katas/forms are great to include in your training routine. They’re good for a lot of reasons, they do help with retaining focus, stance and just good for working out. However I feel it should be kept separate from any self defense training and sparring. If you focus in on all the aspects of martial arts you will definitely succeed as a martial artist. Or if your current training doesn’t allow you to fit kata in, then you can do it on your own time kinda like how athletes in other sports do their strength and conditioning after practice. I do believe that katas do offer physical and mental benefits that can’t be ignored though but they should be kept separate from your self defense training. In my eyes everything should be balanced.
I love Kata to be honest Kata helps me to be competent when sparring Kata is not just a set of movements, Kata is a set of ideas it is the theoretical part of martial arts.
IMO, when you practice Kata, you train to be aware of your surroundings and to defend from aggressors coming from different directions. I think Kata can be used as a tool for training how to evade/block/regaining balance/attack while moving inside a 360-degrees circle. Maybe that is one of the reasons to aim for "one blow/one kill": trying to defend yourself as decisively as possible and prepare for the next threat.
I practice Kata because I enjoy it. For me, there is no such thing as a perfect kata, there is always something that can be improved, even if it is as simple as your breath control during the routine or perhaps you are not happy with the way you move from one stance to another or maybe the correct transition between relaxation and tension. I like to imagine myself doing a perfect kata before I perform it, I find this helps. As for its use in self-defence, I believe it helps. Take for instance an inner to outer block against a face punch. You would not perform it as in Kata I believe as by the time you did the preparation for the block you would already have been punched!. In reality, you would have just block but the speed of the block, the breathing out when performing it, the relaxation going through it and tension when contacting should come naturally through constant repetition achieved by kata. Muscle memory I believe it is called. I guess it could be argued that there are better ways to train than Kata but remember kata is just part of a bigger picture and I return to by the first point, I really enjoy doing kata and like the sense of achievement, I get through performing a Kata and being satisfied with my performance of it, getting one step closer to that unachievable perfect kata!
I thoroughly enjoy your videos Ando, they have expanded my view in martial arts and as a result, I have concluded that my instructor is close to perfect. Question, how does rank/belt level come into this. Kata/forms/patterns seem necessary to move up in level. So if i train without them, do i never move up a rank? Assuming majority of arts have a rank/level system.
Hi Christophe! Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻 There are many arts that have no kata whatsoever and still award rank. Forms are only one way to judge a student. The main thing is that you are happy with your current instructor and your art. Don’t worry about anyone else! 😁
If you don't have a partner to train with, then katas (and forms) are a way to practice movement. Forms were invented for this. In my opinion, forms are not intended to be performed in a tournament. Forms are not designed to defend yourself, but to increase the possibility of protecting yourself from attacks. With a kata you train your reaction and not the fighting itself. Practice your Kata!
Awesome!!! Sir, I think, we must should to practice old style Katas to reveal "The Fighting Art" Because Martial Arts are--- Art of War, Art of Spirituality, way of life. Osu
Hey ando! My school has us do kata and sparring techniques on dominant and non dominant sides. So you think practicing forms on non dominant side make you a better fighter cause both sides are more comfortable? Thoughts?
Kata are forms and not just used in martial arts but also in tea ceremonies and theater arts like kabuki practiced with the goal to i nternalize the movements and techniques so they can be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without thought or hesitation. Osu - 🙂
I learned my first form for over 35 years ago and for 20 years I thought about this very question are they necessary? Are the applications realistic? I abandoned doing them for a number of years because I thought I'd never do a lot of these movements in a real confrontation. Then I was in a situation before the pandemic where I was in a self imposed isolation and was getting really bored with just doing bag work and lifting weights so...I did some forms and I started thinking about it this way, you can tell a story with the kata,Tao Lui, forms so I made up my own forms that told stories about different physical confrontations I had been in.
I used to stress over the fact that nobody could every agree or tell me what the applications of forms were. But over time I stopped caring. I just find it fun, for fun's sake and no other. Especially if you bang it out with a massive dollop of fake fury and make a lot of noise. Oh and it just happens to be a decent workout too. And there are so many moves in every day life that look like elements of firms, more than enough to make the odd tongue in cheek comedy application up.
I used to get frustrated, too. But then a teacher told me that I would never forget the applications that I discovered for myself. So, in that way, it’s better to not know! 😁
3:03 Some MA stunt people have _earned_ millions of dollars through doing katas extremely well. But when it's professionally done (& even when it's not), it's called "fight choreography". ;)
When I play the video game Budokan, I was impressed with the 3 steps of learning: kata, randori, and kumite. I was really impressed with kata. If I were to establish a language school, I would call it Kata. All arts have katas. Acting. Shakespeare are the katas. Many TV and movie actors start out with Shakespeare. Storytelling. The Bible, Greek mythology are the katas. You can’t write for TV without reading the Bible. Cooking. Julia Child’s book are the katas. Ballet. Ballet is ALL katas. Arnold Schwarzenegger does a kata. Everybody does it. Oh, and Sandahl Bergman was a ballet dancer. ruclips.net/video/6_HG-ho1-tA/видео.html
There is an older film about ninjas (Hon Gil Don or something), the main villain was a ninja in red. I wonder why that came to my mind. I did not even listen to what you said
Just noticed your comment actually reads like a short poem: "There is an older film about ninjas, the main villain was a ninja in red. I wonder why that came to my mind. I did not even listen to what you said"
You should not practice book katas. Book katas are there as a template and nothing more. I took each learned kata and asked myself would I use those techniques in self-defense? If they answer is yes it is kept, if no then it is replaced with a movement that works. I've seen plenty of sparring and rarely are kata inspired attacks or defense used. Why? I asked and the answer was because book katas have taken on a life of their own separate from self-defense, mostly for tournaments. All karate movements should be focused on one goal and that is self-defense. If a movement doesn't move the student toward that goal then it must be removed. Now we all take karate for our own different reasons. If it is to win tournaments then so be it or exercise, okay. But the Martial (military) Arts was originally designed for self-defense. Of course if you start changing your katas, be aware that your dojo may take a grim view of your new found freedom of expressing your own unique martial arts style.
Sensei Ando, does your dojo have red uniforms for people with 2nd degree blackbelts and higher? I just noticed that my dojo does and my friend's dojo does too, and I was wondering if this is a common trend or just a coincidence.
The more ignorance people are about a subject, the more opinions they will have about it. And most of them are worthless Seeing people who don't do Karate criticized Karate kata back in the 70s and it's still happening now is laughable
How to reply to people who claim that "we are in a modern age ruled by gunsmith and no matter how hard you train you can't take a bullet just like an ordinary person so why wasting your time"?
KATA: Why didn't they tell us its purpose at the outset? I believed it was a conspiracy approach; they had no guts to tell as they were trying to make their living on more useless stuff. They should be locked up as misleading it as an approach to fight and to defend better. I did ask myself when I practiced TAE K DO 60 years ago; And I was smart enough not to be misled; My older brother did practice along with me but he was not smart to question and ended up to be a lousy fighter and defender. It is not an Exercise; it is not a system to improve your physic and movement; It is a Total waste of Energy, Time and Spirit. PERIOD...the same with University to be trained as an Engineer. The Professors were hopeless no practical Experience; theories were lousy/hopeless etc and yet one tried to fail me in a Water Management subject ( He was A Migrant from Yugolav with broken English; never delivered a lecture/course just blah blahs ... the irrelevancys every week haha ). But with my clear logic and intelligence he could not fail me as I approached the Dean of the Faculty to complain on his teaching etc and thus the Dean passed me . Luckily I did not go to the full extent to request him to be sacked as he had wasted Uni resources. Cheers
The older I get the more kata becomes about the walking meditation for me. As a way of clearing my mind, and the overall physical health benefits. Bunkai is still important to know and understand from a teaching standpoint but I'm of the opinion the likelihood of needing it for self defense decreases with age.
Yes! I love the idea that the value of kata (or anything) can change over time. Thank you for the comment, Sensei! 🙏🏻
The Forms are like moving meditation for me, I can practice by myself and it helps me to remember some of the moves I might have forgotten. I do desire more applications work 🙏
Great! You are applying layers of meaning one by one. Keep up the good work!
@@AndoMierzwa ♥️
The more I search for a practical combat application for the high block, the more convinced I become that it was meant specifically as a ballistic push/pull exercise.
Could you make a vid about what that topic and explain what you mean? Sounds interesting! :)
Interesting! You mean like a grappling frame, jockeying for position to set up something else? 🤔 I will go to the mountain to reflect on this. Thank you, sir! 🙏🏻
So if you're in a kneeling position and your attacker is looming over you about to strike down the high block is useless? If the addage holds true that every block is an attack" I can see an application in using it as a neck strike upward or maneuver into a choke or control position.
I always think it's a up hammerfist to the chin
The high “block” is a throw or an under carry into a throw. Or a strike with the forearm.
From inside your opponent’s arms, drop down and move underneath one of the arms to flank, rise up from under their arm with a rising high block as you turn your body and throw the guy over your leg. If you must, capture their other arm with your other arm. This is why certain forms will pair the high block with a “punch.” The punch is actually hand fighting to facilitate the throw.
To strike with the high block: use a falling step as you raise your forearm into your chosen target. The forearm rotates as it contacts (like how a punch turns over) to create acceleration and move the target. Either way, your final posture will resemble a high “blocking” or hooked position. The blocking strike can also be used at a middle or low position. Striking and rotating into the opponent’s arm instead of their face, for example.
This is a highly misunderstood topic. Thanks for the explanations.
Thank you for the comment!
Kata definitely has its place in solo training, but whenever a partner is available, using them should be your priority
Especially after the lockdown, seek out partner practice whenever you can! 😁👍🏼
NO. This is wrong.
The best value that I get from kata is muscle memories, so I can perform a technique without having to think much about it, and i can focus on my opponent's movements instead.
Excellent! 👍🏼
Great video. I always liked forms. No problem if someone else doesn't.
Exactly. 👍🏼
Thank you for your thoughtful (& humorous!) videos. 👍😁
Thank you for watching, Sifu! 🙏🏻
I've always liked Tekki Shodan, but I never really do any other of the 30+ kata I've learned because for the time spent, I can do more practical training, like sparring and grappling.
You found your formula. Happy training!👍🏼
True story ... I was ambush attacked on the street and used a technique from kata that I never practiced as a sparring technique. I just did it without any thought. It's one of those techniques that looks weak and impractical. It knocked the guy to the ground. Then his girlfriend ran over and yelled "Leave him alone." So I did.
Great description of kata
Excellent views, i agree. For me, Kata is the tool that helps us synchronize our thought and our action. Kata for us, is built in sections, similar to partner combinations which represent attack and defense situations. Kata helps you to execute your technique accurately, with purpose and focus to be in sync with the moment of the movement.
Great explanation of value. Thank you!
Yes.
I appreciate your lesson here sensi, it's always a pleasure to learn from you
Thanks for all the kind comments, sir! 🙏🏻
Nice explanation. Via Kung-Fu which in there it's called Taolu, or Goju Ryu Karate, I know these forms. You know why I did it at the time? To up scale the ranking system, that's it. I didn't enjoy it, I didn't consider it, as something I want to teach in the future. But, today with 35 years of wiser brain, here is the thing- Forms were created hundreds and sometimes thousands of years ago, to tackle situations, that were true to the same time, but not necessarily true for today. However, if you control one-three forms, you can take something from one form, combining something from another form, and it works for you in real life. So I practice some forms, not much, and by knowing different moves, I am composing some Taolu of my own. So, it's mostly for fun, relaxing, breathing and good health, that's what it should be. And for martial arts, I will focus more on sparing, and effective techniques for real life, when I will teach one day. And the Taolu part will be very small. Because it's not right for me, to focus on that, but I respect the Kung-Fu and Karate traditions. That's why I do it, tradition and keeping myself healthy and calm, it's important.
Big fan of creating your own forms. That’s what makes it art! 👍🏼
Highly recommend the book The Way of Kata by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder.
Also if you haven’t binged Iain Abernethy’s kata videos yet (or really all his videos). Go do so immediately.
Both great recommendations! Thank you! 🙏🏻
I answered this some time ago. Nice presentation, subs keeping building. Cheers.
I appreciate that. Thank you, sir! 🙏🏻
I think Ando knows already, so this is for people watching his channel: Pinan/Heian was created as a beginner's kata by Anko Itosu, a big name in Okinawan Karate. According to experts, it's supposed to have something for every range of a stand-up confrontation.
Itosu should be more famous! 😁
I think Jack Hackleman needs to understand this. I love your debate with him . I’m just glad you end your debate the right way
I agree! I think we came to an understanding at the end. Thanks for the comment!🙏🏻
Shadow Boxing can also be seen as KATA come to think about it
Depending on how you do it, absolutely! 👍🏼
what the KATA you talking about Ando..... just kidding.. forreal you make a good point
Always a good message.. thanks..
I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Thank you very much for the video this is very informative.
Agreed. It’s a part of training that helps overall ability
Yes, sir. It surely can. 👍🏼
I like your take on kata vs bunkai.
2 other YT channels (channel owners) whose take I like (& they're philosophically pretty similar to yours) are: Jesse Enkamp & The Art of One Dojo.
You've already done a few smashing collabs with Jesse; how about one with The Art of One Dojo guy? He seems like a cool & well-informed expert...
Thank you for the kind words and the collab idea. Happy training to you! 👍🏼
I also recommend Iain Abernathy and Taira Masaji.
Agree. My old katate instructor snapped at anyone who didn't "Practice" at home or look 100% accurate for a form on a belt test, including me (he had major anger problems). He could be a jerk at some times. I quit going there in 2021. I'm not currently doing any arts, but if I do decide to return to martial arts, I will remember this.
I hope you find a way back to training in some way. Thank you for the comment!
I take the third approach. Kata is also good exercise at a fast pace is aerobic. During the pandemic Kata was one of the few ways I could continue to train. Sparring or Kumite is also very important. If you are following the number one rule situational awareness you will probably never need to defend yourself and your training including kata is just a fun way to stay in shape.
Thank you for the comment! Yes, I’d say kata gained a lot more respect during the lockdown. 👍🏼
Depends on the person, everyone is different. Forms work wonders for some people and are useless for others. Me, I'm a forms man all the way. I love forms and live for forms. But not everyone is like that.
"There are many paths up to the top of the mountain", and practicing forms is only one of the paths.
Keep preaching, my friend! 👍🏼
As long as you don't consider yourself a fighter if you only concentrate on form itself.
@@lionsden4563 That applies to every drill under the sun, not only forms.
@@blockmasterscott,
There's a lot of delusional people out there who think they can fight by just doing forms.
@@lionsden4563 WHY? You are immediately doing what Sensei Ando admonishes... making a blanket conclusion.,, without substance. What's worse, Dude,,, you further discredit yourself by labeling those with another opinion,,, as 'delusional.' Yeah, you are completely correct, however,,,, those with the intellect of a 6 year old will find no value in kata. IOW, YOU.
Simple, deep & easy 2 understand explanation. I guess it can be applied to everything which we believe or not. 4 me personally, it is some sort of meditation. It helps me 2 coordinate my mind & body. Keeps me away from outside 4 period of time.
Excellent!
I haven't watched this yet-- but my answer is YES certainly-- a grounded foundation in the very BASICS is essential. There are many benefits, and improvement chances to it.. bu the short answer- is YES- definitely.
There is definitely value in kata… if you design it that way. 👍🏼
Sensei Ando you are just great 👍🏼
I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻
I like to use these 'blocks' as strikes. Sometimes to my opponents head and body, sometimes to the grabbing/attacking hand. Chudan Ude uke, manji uke and kosa uke are grip breaking strikes for me!. The rest of blocks, i believe, are attacks to body and face/chin, for the most part!.
Thanks for sharing a page from your notebook!
@@AndoMierzwa It is always my pleasure, sensei 🙏.
Oss
Well said Sensei
Thank you very much, sir!
Yes. Kata is an exercise. Nuff said.
I do kata myself, sometimes.
Carry on!
I use kata as for balance drills plus to help clear the mind after a long session of work out kata does work in self defense situation its how you train in it.
Excellent! Thank you for the comment, sir. 👍🏼
Agree. Agree. Agree. You rock!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You, too! 😁
I think they are a big part of learning Martial arts. They are putting several techniques together.. Mostly they are teaching good habits. Strive for perfection doing them and in all things you do. Martial arts are a lifestyle, not just self-defenses or just life skills. They both should be a part of it. Myself, I hope never to have to need the physical aspect of self-defenses. Life skills, use every day.
Always a pleasure to hear from you, sir! Yes, the discipline of practice in and of itself is important for building character. Thanks for the reminder!
Nice video!
Thank you, sir! 🙏🏻
I think katas/forms are great to include in your training routine. They’re good for a lot of reasons, they do help with retaining focus, stance and just good for working out. However I feel it should be kept separate from any self defense training and sparring. If you focus in on all the aspects of martial arts you will definitely succeed as a martial artist. Or if your current training doesn’t allow you to fit kata in, then you can do it on your own time kinda like how athletes in other sports do their strength and conditioning after practice. I do believe that katas do offer physical and mental benefits that can’t be ignored though but they should be kept separate from your self defense training. In my eyes everything should be balanced.
Balance is always a great guiding principle. Thanks, Travis!
I love Kata to be honest Kata helps me to be competent when sparring Kata is not just a set of movements, Kata is a set of ideas it is the theoretical part of martial arts.
Thanks for your vote, Justhine! Happy training!👍🏼
@@AndoMierzwa You're welcome Sensei
i like the kata in the movie "perfect weapon."
IMO, when you practice Kata, you train to be aware of your surroundings and to defend from aggressors coming from different directions. I think Kata can be used as a tool for training how to evade/block/regaining balance/attack while moving inside a 360-degrees circle.
Maybe that is one of the reasons to aim for "one blow/one kill": trying to defend yourself as decisively as possible and prepare for the next threat.
Appreciate the comment!
I practice Kata because I enjoy it. For me, there is no such thing as a perfect kata, there is always something that can be improved, even if it is as simple as your breath control during the routine or perhaps you are not happy with the way you move from one stance to another or maybe the correct transition between relaxation and tension. I like to imagine myself doing a perfect kata before I perform it, I find this helps. As for its use in self-defence, I believe it helps. Take for instance an inner to outer block against a face punch. You would not perform it as in Kata I believe as by the time you did the preparation for the block you would already have been punched!. In reality, you would have just block but the speed of the block, the breathing out when performing it, the relaxation going through it and tension when contacting should come naturally through constant repetition achieved by kata. Muscle memory I believe it is called. I guess it could be argued that there are better ways to train than Kata but remember kata is just part of a bigger picture and I return to by the first point, I really enjoy doing kata and like the sense of achievement, I get through performing a Kata and being satisfied with my performance of it, getting one step closer to that unachievable perfect kata!
It sounds like you and Kata have a great relationship going. Carry-on, my friend!😁
I thoroughly enjoy your videos Ando, they have expanded my view in martial arts and as a result, I have concluded that my instructor is close to perfect. Question, how does rank/belt level come into this. Kata/forms/patterns seem necessary to move up in level. So if i train without them, do i never move up a rank? Assuming majority of arts have a rank/level system.
Hi Christophe! Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻 There are many arts that have no kata whatsoever and still award rank. Forms are only one way to judge a student. The main thing is that you are happy with your current instructor and your art. Don’t worry about anyone else! 😁
If you don't have a partner to train with, then katas (and forms) are a way to practice movement.
Forms were invented for this.
In my opinion, forms are not intended to be performed in a tournament.
Forms are not designed to defend yourself, but to increase the possibility of protecting yourself from attacks.
With a kata you train your reaction and not the fighting itself.
Practice your Kata!
A solid comment. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Awesome!!! Sir, I think, we must should to practice old style Katas to reveal "The Fighting Art" Because Martial Arts are--- Art of War, Art of Spirituality, way of life. Osu
Excellent! Then keep going! 👍🏼
Hey ando! My school has us do kata and sparring techniques on dominant and non dominant sides. So you think practicing forms on non dominant side make you a better fighter cause both sides are more comfortable? Thoughts?
I definitely believe in training both sides evenly. Self-defense aside, I think it’s better for the body and more challenging for the brain. 👍🏼
Kata are forms and not just used in martial arts but also in tea ceremonies and theater arts like kabuki practiced with the goal to i nternalize the movements and techniques so they can be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without thought or hesitation.
Osu - 🙂
Thank you for the addition! Osu! 🙏🏻
I say yes as you get older forms . Katas are a good form of exercise .
Agreed! 👍🏼
I learned my first form for over 35 years ago and for 20 years I thought about this very question are they necessary? Are the applications realistic? I abandoned doing them for a number of years because I thought I'd never do a lot of these movements in a real confrontation. Then I was in a situation before the pandemic where I was in a self imposed isolation and was getting really bored with just doing bag work and lifting weights so...I did some forms and I started thinking about it this way, you can tell a story with the kata,Tao Lui, forms so I made up my own forms that told stories about different physical confrontations I had been in.
I love every part of that! Good for you for expressing your own perspective. Keep up the great work!
I used to stress over the fact that nobody could every agree or tell me what the applications of forms were. But over time I stopped caring. I just find it fun, for fun's sake and no other. Especially if you bang it out with a massive dollop of fake fury and make a lot of noise. Oh and it just happens to be a decent workout too. And there are so many moves in every day life that look like elements of firms, more than enough to make the odd tongue in cheek comedy application up.
I used to get frustrated, too. But then a teacher told me that I would never forget the applications that I discovered for myself. So, in that way, it’s better to not know! 😁
3:03 Some MA stunt people have _earned_ millions of dollars through doing katas extremely well. But when it's professionally done (& even when it's not), it's called "fight choreography". ;)
😄
When I play the video game Budokan, I was impressed with the 3 steps of learning: kata, randori, and kumite.
I was really impressed with kata. If I were to establish a language school, I would call it Kata.
All arts have katas. Acting. Shakespeare are the katas. Many TV and movie actors start out with Shakespeare.
Storytelling. The Bible, Greek mythology are the katas. You can’t write for TV without reading the Bible.
Cooking. Julia Child’s book are the katas.
Ballet. Ballet is ALL katas.
Arnold Schwarzenegger does a kata. Everybody does it.
Oh, and Sandahl Bergman was a ballet dancer.
ruclips.net/video/6_HG-ho1-tA/видео.html
That is a fantastic argument for kata! I mean, who’s gonna argue with Conan? 😄
Ando, how did your move go, Sir?
There is an older film about ninjas (Hon Gil Don or something), the main villain was a ninja in red. I wonder why that came to my mind. I did not even listen to what you said
Hard to blend in wearing red! 😄
@@AndoMierzwa "That ninja ran towards the barn... Hey, where'd he go?"
@@Mbq-sh6bj Ha! That's my only chance!
Just noticed your comment actually reads like a short poem:
"There is an older film about ninjas,
the main villain was a ninja in red.
I wonder why that came to my mind.
I did not even listen to what you said"
You should not practice book katas. Book katas are there as a template and nothing more. I took each learned kata and asked myself would I use those techniques in self-defense? If they answer is yes it is kept, if no then it is replaced with a movement that works. I've seen plenty of sparring and rarely are kata inspired attacks or defense used. Why? I asked and the answer was because book katas have taken on a life of their own separate from self-defense, mostly for tournaments. All karate movements should be focused on one goal and that is self-defense. If a movement doesn't move the student toward that goal then it must be removed. Now we all take karate for our own different reasons. If it is to win tournaments then so be it or exercise, okay. But the Martial (military) Arts was originally designed for self-defense. Of course if you start changing your katas, be aware that your dojo may take a grim view of your new found freedom of expressing your own unique martial arts style.
Wrong.
Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective!
Sensei Ando, does your dojo have red uniforms for people with 2nd degree blackbelts and higher? I just noticed that my dojo does and my friend's dojo does too, and I was wondering if this is a common trend or just a coincidence.
HA! 😄 No rule I’m aware of. It’s just a cool color.
@@AndoMierzwa oh haha ok thanks
The more ignorance people are about a subject, the more opinions they will have about it. And most of them are worthless
Seeing people who don't do Karate criticized Karate kata back in the 70s and it's still happening now is laughable
I'll do 'em, but I don't search for anything in them. It's all just exercise with the goal of strengthening my bad shoulder for me.
Any reason is better than no reason. Happy training!👍🏼
kata vs taichi vs shadow boxing? your thoughts?
Different tools for different qualities. All good!
The problem with Kata is that if a teacher does not tell you what this kata is for and why you are doing it.
That's the problem.
That definitely doesn’t help.
Sensei ando your all Videos helped me Do My technique correctly with more power and speed THANK YOU😁
Very happy to hear that. Happy training!👍🏼
@@AndoMierzwa Thank You 😄
Hiii iam from kerala (India)
Howdy from the USA!
Self improvement
👍🏼
i find katas meditative
Carry on! 🙏🏻
@@AndoMierzwa yess sirr
Mind body connection
🧠💪🏼
Yes.
Do Kata condition our reaction moves when in danger?
They condition moves for sure. Reactions may require partner practice and/or imagination.
"You know like..."
Me an intellectual: Mike Chat, or Jackson Rudolph.
Thanks for filling in the blank! 😁👍🏼
@@AndoMierzwa Anytime bud! :)
Thinking the same thing.
@@Mbq-sh6bj great minds and all that
I dont believe in bunkai anymore. Kata is more like meditation for me.
Do your thing! 👍🏼
How to reply to people who claim that "we are in a modern age ruled by gunsmith and no matter how hard you train you can't take a bullet just like an ordinary person so why wasting your time"?
I don’t reply to that. 😁
Try katarata form.
I'm tired
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Ann! 🙏🏻
Best bro of my life is uuuuuu
yeeeee i m not going crazzzyyyyy
Choked ✅
Punched in Face ✅
HA! 😄
Yayyy
Thanks for that! 😁
KATA: Why didn't they tell us its purpose at the outset? I believed it was a conspiracy approach; they had no guts to tell as they were trying to make their living on more useless stuff. They should be locked up as misleading it as an approach to fight and to defend better. I did ask myself when I practiced TAE K DO 60 years ago; And I was smart enough not to be misled; My older brother did practice along with me but he was not smart to question and ended up to be a lousy fighter and defender. It is not an Exercise; it is not a system to improve your physic and movement; It is a Total waste of Energy, Time and Spirit. PERIOD...the same with University to be trained as an Engineer. The Professors were hopeless no practical Experience; theories were lousy/hopeless etc and yet one tried to fail me in a Water Management subject ( He was A Migrant from Yugolav with broken English; never delivered a lecture/course just blah blahs ... the irrelevancys every week haha ). But with my clear logic and intelligence he could not fail me as I approached the Dean of the Faculty to complain on his teaching etc and thus the Dean passed me . Luckily I did not go to the full extent to request him to be sacked as he had wasted Uni resources. Cheers
Sorry your experiences weren’t all great. But you’re definitely wiser now!
Yes, traditional martial arts are a waste of time... for UUUUU.
@@AndoMierzwa have been wise since young age Ando. Cheers
Kata is very hard to memorize me
You’re not alone! 😄
NO. Worlds apart.
Sir, i am practising martial art about 1 year. Your videos helped me in a lot of things. Take love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩.
Love back to you from the USA! 🇺🇸
Nah.
Ha!
👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️🥋🥋🥋 Oss
😁🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hello 👋I am first 🥇
Just happy you’re here! 😁👍🏼
First!!!
Edit: Oh sry second
Still a winner! 😁🏅