Anyone who has been practicing karate
for long enough to have learned two or three kata knows that not
all techniques in kata should be performed at the same speed. Some
moves are fast, some slow. Some moves are performed quickly, some
slowly. Some are executed with an increasing or decreasing speed.
Furthermore, some combinations of moves are performed in quick
succession, while others are performed with a noticeable pause
between moves. This timing between movements is what I would like
to focus on in this article.
When first learning a new kata, one should strive to maintain the
tempo that the instructor indicates. When in doubt, start out
slowly and with less power, gradually adding more speed and power
as familiarity is gained. Remember that priority in learning and
executing techniques should be (a) form (b) speed (c) power
(concentration on muscular contraction). If one rushes into (b) and
(c) without focusing sufficiently on (a) first, training may be
wasted.
As you become more familiar with a kata, you may want to vary the
timing from that which was originally learned. There is nothing
wrong with this, as long as the ramifications of the changes are
considered and weighed. For example, there is probably reason that
some of the slow moves in kata are performed slowly, while others
are not.
Some sequence timings in kata are taught in a given dojo or
organization and expected to be followed blindly by all. Some
judges/examiners will deduct points if the performer does not do as
everyone else, without considering that there may be a reasonable
explanation for deviation of tempo. While standardization is good
for assuring certain minimum requirements are met, flexibility
should occasionally be exercised, at least for the higher dan
ranks.
This is not to say that all karate practitioners should alter
timing in kata as they see fit. On the contrary; I believe that one
should strive to perform in the standard fashion when taking an
exam for the first time on a new kata. After gaining a certain
amount of experience, however, enough depth of understanding may be
reached that different timings may be evaluated. In other words, I
think that an instructor should continue teaching standardized
timing, but be open to variations.
Why would one vary the tempo in kata? There are several possible
reasons. One important consideration regarding kata, whether it is
your personal emphasis in training or not, is that the kata were
originally meant as a collection of self-defense techniques. When
performing a sequence of moves in a kata with a given set of
applications in mind, a certain tempo may be more
condusive for execution of those techniques. Another application
set may be more suited to a different tempo.
In addition to application considerations, an older, smaller
individual may focus more on dramatizing slow moves during
demonstration, to emphasize control and finesse. A larger, younger
person doing the same kata may want to show power and speed and not
make as much of a distinction between fast and slow moves.
Ultimately, kata is what you make of it. That means that you have
choices regarding not only the tempo of the movements, but the
reasons why you do it the way you do. Karate has very much to
offer, and kata is one way of really making your karate your
karate. This is true whether you do it as an athletic endeavor, for
discipline, for artistic expression, in an attempt to perform well
in a test or tournament, or to practice self-defense techniques.
Learn how others do the kata. Then, make it your kata, whatever
that means to you.
Copyright © 2001, Jon Keeling
