Why do Kata (forms) practice? (Martial Arts post)

 

"Kata" (Japanese term, literally meaning "shape", or "model") in traditional martial arts, refers to choreographed sequences of movement, known as "forms". In Chinese it is known as "Taolu" ("routine"). Most traditional martial arts have their own forms as part of their curriculums. These forms have been passed down through the generations, keeping the original format. Some forms are modified by Masters. The practice of form may also include "free form" or "free flow" exercises, so that the practitioner can put what they've learned into a spontaneous sequence.

With the popularity of "realistic" fighting styles and MMA, traditional martial artists have seen an increase in the criticism of the practice of forms, primarily in social media. Many videos or posts on social media featuring traditional martial arts kata are met with judgemental comments, such as:

"Won't work in a street fight" (I wonder how many street fights the commenter had encountered?)

"Unrealistic, they need to learn a real martial art". (How many "real" fights have they been in?)

"Such BS. I would sweep and (insert planned out technique here) and  make them tap out" (perhaps they have a plan after watching the video 5 times to formulate their strategy?)

"My system is all about fighting, no stupid useless forms." (Well that just makes you an ass-kicker, now doesn't it?)

Real fighters don't use forms or free flow practice to learn how to practice good techiniques" (um....why do boxers do free flow shadowboxing?)

What some people do not understand is that forms indeed have benefits. While the practice of Kata originally taught the fighting techniques of a particular art, many people today just see fighting as being grappling, boxing and MMA.

"Forms teach us how to remain aware throughout each movement, not only placing attention to the end of the movement, but the transitions between movements as well. The transitions are often where the application is."

My thoughts on the benefits of Kata practice:

• Forms provide a historical encyclopedia of an art's original techniques: While fighting was different hundreds of years ago than it is today, kata promotes the preservations of an art's history and techniques that were used at that time. Many study traditional martial arts for the historical and cultural aspects, not just to fight in the cage or to claim that they're in the latest-greatest fighting system. However, some of the great MMA fighters today, have traditional (Karate) roots.
• Forms teach the body mechanics of techniques. Many bunkai (application of kata techniques) are not performed exactly as is demonstrated in the forms, but rather teaches the elements of a fighting technique.  What might appear as "pretty movement" or "useless movement" by the uninitiated, has applications for eyes that are skilled enough to see.  The trick is, to find a teacher that teaches students how to delve into their forms to find the realistic applications.
• Self awareness and focus:  When practicing forms, being aware of where you body is doing at any given time, is part of the practice? How many times have you been corrected by a teacher, while not knowing that you did the technique incorrectly? Forms teach us how to remain aware throughout each movement, not only placing attention to the end of the movement, but the transitions between movements as well. The transitions are often where the application is.
• Self discipline: Learning forms takes time and dedication. It takes practice to correct oneself, and practice to compare correct technique with one's own.  A practitioner must make time and take time to practice the movements so as to not forget them. It takes fortitude to practice when you'd much rather sit around playing video games. It takes self discipline to practice good stances and techniques when you're already tired in class.
• Cardio benefits: As I was coming up in the arts, a teacher once told the class "If you're not a little or a lot out of breath when you finish a kata, you didn't do it with intensity". While some jump on a treadmill or do HIIT for cardio work, Kata can be a great supplement to the usual cardio work. When we're jogging, our bodies get used to the motion of jogging and the cardio improves. However, when doing kata, we change stances and movements frequently. This changing up of the movements can train the body in a different way. Intensity of the practice is up to the individual. My Karate Sensei used to tell us before doing a kata, "Speed, Power, Kiai".  It reminded us to dig in and put 100% into the Kata.
• Forms practice can be a "bridge" of sorts, between basics and fighting techniques:  Just as a boxer will practice his/her proper form, footwork, combinations etc in shadowboxing as a bridge to the fighting ring; Kata is a stylized way of doing the same. A good teacher will teach the student how to foster muscle memory and how the proper technique in Kata will apply to a similar technique in sparring or self defense. 
• Stress reduction: Kata is a focused activity, where each moment is important to pay attention to. This "movement meditation" can promote a relaxed state, which in turn promotes a decrease in stress for that time. 
• Kata is the "art" of martial arts:  It is called "Martial Arts', not "Martial Ass Kicking".  While martial arts does teach how to defend onself with the guidance of a teacher that understands fighting, the "art" aspect of Kata allows practitioners to express themselves through the kata while still keeping the standards of the Kata. In the end, even while there are standards to be met, Kata allows us to make our own body types apply to the kata, to express strength and stability through our ability to perform a movement. As I was taught years ago "Spirit (willpower, attitude, not necessarily 'spirit' in a religious sense) is shown through the eyes and body"

There will always be those that will criticize Kata practice and traditional martial arts in order to protect their opinion on "real fighting". As for me, I know the benefits that Kata practice gave me, and it will continue to be a part of my daily practice. As a Kajukenbo practitioner, I know the reality of the street....and the cage or the ring isn't the street. To each their own. It is sad however, that others feel the need to dismiss other arts. No matter what system or art you do, show respect, because we all are in the martial arts for our own personal gain, no one else's.