Sport Karate : Kata

Kata (Form)

Kata is a kind of predetermined, pedagogical movement pattern with offensive and defensive techniques. This discipline has a very long history and is trained in all clubs that practice traditional karate. Many instructors believe that it is precisely in kata that it is possible to find the key to karate. Kata is the Soul of Karate. In the movement patterns you can find centuries of experience that has been added to each other.

Linguistically, the word "form" means. Kata as a whole is not something you use in a fight, but its individual movements are taken from and used in real situations. It makes you flexible and strong.

In Kata at a competition, you are judged, among other things, on timing, rhythm, focus, balance, speed and breathing. It is also important that the performance does not resemble a dance or theatrical performance. Instead, it should be presented according to traditional values and principles. Kata must be realistic in self-defense techniques and combat terms and show concentration, endurance and power potential. It must show strength, endurance and speed as well as elegance, rhythm and balance. Kata at competitions can be performed both individually and in teams. In individual bouts 1 karateka performs on the tatami & in team bouts a team consists of 3 karatekas perform on the tatami. Previously it was judged by the vote of 5 judges showing flags, but presently, as the rules are changing, modifying & updating day by day, it is judged by the points given by 5 or 7 judges according to the rules in 2 separate performances, i.e. Technical & Atheletic or collectively both.