How to Learn Kata

Beginning students learn only the foundation kata, Nahanchin kata for Shuri-te and Sanchin kata for Naha-te. The emphasis is on proper breathing, proper postures and the development of ability to generate explosive force with very short movements. The use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are not of concern at this stage.

Only after the students have mastered the first stage, sometimes it take years, the other kata are to be taught. At this second stage, the use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are to be added to the training. This is to be in conjunction with the study of kaisai of the kata. That is why it usually take a year or two to learn one kata.

---Ankoh Azato