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Kyokushin Kata  
The word kata means
"shape" or "form". The kanji for kata the Japanese character above at
the right) is composed of the following characters: Literally translated, kata means "shape which cuts the ground". A kata is a sequence of blocks, kicks and punches from one or more stances, involving movement forward, backward and to the sides. The number of movements and their sequence are very specific. The balance between offensive and defensive techniques, the stances used and the direction and flow of movement all serve to give each kata its distinctive character. Through the practice of kata, the traditional techniques used for fighting are learned. Balance, coordination, breathing and concentration are also developed. Done properly, kata are an excellent physical exercise and a very effective form of total mind and body conditioning. Kata embodies the idea of ren ma, or "always polishing" ? with diligent practice, the moves of the kata become further refined and perfected. The attention to detail that is necessary to perfect a kata cultivates self discipline. Through concentration, dedication and practice, a higher level of learning may be achieved, where the kata is so ingrained in the subconscious mind that no conscious attention is needed. This is what the Zen masters call mushin, or "no mind." The conscious, rational thought practice is not used at all ? what was once memorized is now spontaneous. The practice of traditional kata is also a way for the
karateka to pay respect to the origins and history of Kyokushin Karate
and the martial arts in general. The Northern Kata are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, since they were developed
from Mas Oyama's training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi
in turn derived these kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu,
the Okinawan karate style based on Chinese Shaolin (i.e. "Shorin")
kempo. These kata utilize long, powerful stances and strong blocks
and strikes. The Northern Kata include:
The
Southern Kata were developed from Mas Oyama's study of
the Okinawan karate style of Goju Ryu under So Nei Chu, which in turn were
derived from southern Chinese kempo. The movements in these kata are more
circular and flamboyant than those in the Northern Kata. The Southern Kata
include:
Meanings
Tensho is a basic illustration of the definition of Karate, derived from Chinese kempo, as a technique of circles based on points. Tensho should be a prime object of practice because, as a psychological and theoretical support behind karate training and as a central element in basic karate formal exercises, it has permeated the techniques, the blocks and the thrusts, and is intimately connected with the very life of karate. A man who has practiced Tensho kata a number of thousands of times and has a firm grasp of its theory can not only take any attack, but can also turn the advantage in any attack, and will always be able to defend himself perfectly.
IKO Kyokushin Uganda Kata Requirements Page Top
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Katachi meaning "Shape",
Kari meaning "Cut", and
Tsuchi meaning "Earth" or
"Soil".
Taikyoku is
literally translated as "grand ultimate", and in Chinese, the kanji characters are pronounced Tai Chi. The word Taikyoku can also mean overview or the whole point - seeing the whole rather than
focusing on the individual parts, and keeping an open mind or beginner's
mind. The beginner's mind is what is strived for during training
and in life. The beginner's mind does not hold prejudice and does
not cling to a narrow view. The beginner's mind is open to endless
possibilities.
Pin-an is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji
characters for peace and relaxation (pronounced Heian in Japanese).
Though the physical moves of kata involve techniques used for fighting, the
purpose of kata is to develop a calm, peaceful mind and harmony between the mind
and body.
Sanchin literally means "three battles" or "three
conflicts". It is the principal kata in certain Okinawan karate styles, such as
Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu, and it is likely one of the oldest kata. Certain
legends attribute the creation of Sanchin to Bodhidharma in the early sixth
century. Sanchin kata seeks to develop three elements at the same time:
Gekisai means conquer and occupy. The name is derived from
the characters Geki, meaning attack or conquer, and Sai, meaning
fortress or stronghold (literally translated as "closed", "shut" or "covered").
The word Gekisai can also mean demolish, destroy or pulverize. The katas
teach strength through fluidity of motion, mobility and the utilization of
various techniques. Flexibility of attack and response will always be superior
to rigid and inflexible strength.
Yantsu is derived from the characters Yan, meaning
safe, and Tsu, meaning three. The name is attributed to that of a Chinese
military attache to Okinawa in the 19th Century. The word yantsu also
means to keep pure, striving to maintain the purity of principles and ideals
rather than compromising for expediency.
Tsuki no by its very
name is a punching kata (there is only one kick and just a few blocks in the
entire kata). The word Tsuki can also mean fortune and luck. Good
fortune and luck does not come by waiting. For every punch in this kata,
envision that a personal barrier is being broken down. Strong, persistent
effort directed at problems will bring good fortune.
Tensho means rolling or fluid hand, literally translated as
"rotating palms". Tensho is the soft and circular (yin) counterpart to the hard
and linear (yang) Sanchin kata. Not only was Tensho one of Mas Oyama's favorite
kata, he considered it to be the most indispensable of the advanced
kata:
Saiha means extreme destruction, smashing or tearing. The
word Saiha can also mean great wave, the source of the IFK logo. No
matter how large a problem is encountered, with patience, determination and
perseverance (Osu) one can rise above and overcome it, or smash through
and get beyond it.
Kanku means sky gazing. Literally translated, Kan
means "view", and Ku means "universe", "air", "emptiness" or "void" (the
same character as Kara in karate). The first move of the kata is the
formation of an opening with the hands above the head, through which one gazes
at the universe and rising sun. The significance is that no matter what
problems are faced, each day is new and the universe is waiting. Nothing is so
terrible that it affects the basic reality of existence.
Seienchin
means conqueror and subdue over a distance, or attack the rebellious outpost.
In feudal Japan, Samurai warriors would often go on expeditions lasting many
months, and they needed to maintain their strength and spirit over a long period
of time. This kata is long and slow, with many techniques performed from
kiba dachi (horseback stance). The legs usually become very tired in
this kata, and a strong spirit is needed to persevere, instead of giving up.
The word Seienchin can also mean to pull in battle.
Sushiho means 54 steps. Sushiho is derived from the
words Useshi, the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters
for 54 (pronounced Go Ju Shi in Japanese), and Ho, meaning walk or
step. Other karate styles call this advanced kata Gojushiho.
Garyu means reclining dragon. In Japanese philosophy, a
great man who remains in obscurity is called a Garyu. A dragon is all-powerful,
but a reclining dragon chooses not to display his power until it is needed.
Likewise, a true karateka does not brag about or show off his abilities.
He never forgets the true virtue of humility.
Seipai is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji
characters for 18 (pronounced Ju Hachi in Japanese). In other karate
styles, this kata is sometimes called Seipaite, or eighteen hands. The number
18 is derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 x 3, where six represents color,
voice, taste, smell, touch and justice and three represents good, bad and
peace. 