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Post by Colin Wee on Aug 10, 2006 11:32:16 GMT 8
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mat
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Post by mat on Oct 24, 2006 4:09:34 GMT 8
"How many of you that practice Kata/forms vary the intensity of the movement to add to work out of doing kata. If so, what types of techniques do you like intensify, punches, kicks, blocks etc...."
Well, I haven't practiced forms for long. Last year, in the peak on my training session, I was doing forms at least twice a day - Even at work behind my desk. I have a closed office. So it had become..
after warm-up: 1 time very slow 1 time very fast, as fast as I can, regarless of timing, focusing on stances and strikes. 1 time regular 1 time bunkai
With variations.
Sometimes, only once, with all bunkai applications I know rehearsed mentally and simulating that someone is in front of me. Which is a trick I have to use more than I care for as we're missing sempai at my school - new school (4 years) and I guess I could be the only one who's stayed for so long except two 13 y-o kids. We have a blue belt, but he comes from karate-jutsu and well... he didn't catch up yet. He's coming around though.
Regardless, I got the trick from renshi Sensei Blanchette. A kata done slowly - ultra slowly - with bunkai applications done, can take up to 20 minutes. It's a great learning tool too - IMO. Plus, after 20 minutes, remembering the pattern is hard too. It's very demanding physically too. An held shiko-dachi = pain.
I haven't tried mirror. We I do try to imagine what it's like, my mind is going AWOL. But I sure will try it.
What else... I've tried adding weapons in my traditionnal kata. With some success too. It's not part of our curriculum, but often, the kata is interpretable with weapons. Only sai for now. Since they're supposed to be an extension of our hands, I find that focusing on weapons helps understanding the form better. But... I didn't figure out how to hold someone successfully with a sai. (ex: wrist grab) unless the application would be to pierce the wrist... I just thought this one up. OUCH! if it is.
Visualization helped a lot when I was hurt. I couldn't do those or even a sit-up. So visualization.
That's about it! ---------------------------------------------------------- Colin, that article was interesting. Even if I do have a little problem with point-sparring, I do appreciate the training regimen necessary to do tournament sparring.
I like his point where he says that both things compliment one another.
But.... having been in fights myself, I can't help but wince a bit. I much prefer bogu kumite - even if that's still controlled, at least you hit what you have to hit with the strengh necessary to him. Plus, it represents something much much closer to the real thing. It's more physically demanding and stressing too.
Again, this is my limited view...
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Post by Colin Wee on Oct 24, 2006 12:33:22 GMT 8
Regardless, I got the trick from renshi Sensei Blanchette. A kata done slowly - ultra slowly - with bunkai applications done, can take up to 20 minutes. It's a great learning tool too - IMO. Plus, after 20 minutes, remembering the pattern is hard too. It's very demanding physically too. An held shiko-dachi = pain. I totally agree. I haven't done much sparring since 2002 ... given my life's circumstances and the group I train with. However, with this kind of kata work and visualisation, I have been very happy with the sparring sessions I have engaged in in the interim years. The main benefits are to 'self defence' drills ... you've got a lot more material you work with all the time. Colin
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Post by Colin Wee on Nov 1, 2006 17:18:50 GMT 8
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Post by Colin Wee on Nov 1, 2006 17:35:06 GMT 8
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Post by supergroup7 on Nov 2, 2006 0:44:25 GMT 8
"Who have you seen fight like they perform kata? Who have you seen perform kata like they fight? Don't blame the tool, eh?"
I really can appreciate this comment, Colin. I have seen many instances where people practice the kata as if in a factory. There is a methodical/ empty presentation to it.
Performing kata as if you are in a fight makes things kind of interesting. The rhythm of the movements can change, or even the timing of how you apply them ( depending on the bunkai that you are visualizing) I found that even my breathing became affected as I visualized streaming together a series of movements rather than seeing each movement as it's own individual entity. Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I'm not sure.
Also, I noticed that performing kata as if using it in a fight boosts the cardio demand. You can't do too many kata like that in a row without feeling the effects. It feels almost like running uphill carrying weights.
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Post by supergroup7 on Nov 2, 2006 0:54:03 GMT 8
Mirror kata is more difficult when you do not have experienced sempai to follow at first.
Here is a key that I have figured out, let's see if I can describe it correctly:
In mirror kata, ( at least in Shotokan) most major moves will have a LEFT emphasis instead of a right one. Let me explain...
Heian Shodan (Pinan Sono Ichi) Usually the escape/hammerfist is done on the right.. but in mirror kata you will find it on the left. Usually the first kiai movement is a high block with the right arm/ Mirror will demand a left arm. Second Kiai point usually is a punch with the right fist.. yep.. mirror kata you should end up with the left fist forwards. Last move is normally facing at an angle on the right, in mirror you will be facing your left at an angle.
I've noticed this common thread happening in all of the Heian kata. I'm not sure if your art has a Right hand preference in the normal execution of your basic kata, but Shotokan seems to do so.
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Post by Colin Wee on Nov 2, 2006 12:48:59 GMT 8
Performing kata as if you are in a fight makes things kind of interesting. The rhythm of the movements can change, or even the timing of how you apply them ( depending on the bunkai that you are visualizing) I found that even my breathing became affected as I visualized streaming together a series of movements rather than seeing each movement as it's own individual entity. Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? I'm not sure. Also, I noticed that performing kata as if using it in a fight boosts the cardio demand. You can't do too many kata like that in a row without feeling the effects. It feels almost like running uphill carrying weights. It starts becoming the opposite of "dead kata" or "dead bunkai" doesn't it? This kind of experience has really lifted up my passion for the martial arts in the last few years. Without which I'm sure I'd feel pretty empty about the whole thing. I think visualisation is the key towards great kata training. If kata is solo training, it can't be relevant unless you're using visualisation to make it 'work'. So if it does affect your breathing and your approach, then I'm confident that you are on the right path. Or at least somewhere on the right path! :-) Colin
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mat
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Post by mat on Nov 3, 2006 22:51:01 GMT 8
Exactly!
I think it's the only way to keep doing forms. Doing kata for the sake of moving your body can only last that long. It's mind-numbing dull and a bit boring.
Visualisation puts karate where it should be. Partner drills do too. Randori too. Each system includes so many techniques... It's almost impossible to limit yourself to strikes. Once you "see" everything you ought to be doing in that kata, everything changes. Your practice changes.
I'll even say that if done properly, it even is better than sparring. Since I do believe that sparring limits a lot of things. I mean that you learn to pull back. And if you center your practice on that,then what will come out when needed is what you have practiced the most.
I remember reading a story about an aikidoka that used judo to defend himself because he had been training harder in judo. Aikido was gone, what remained was what he trained the most in. Judo, Even if now he was a 2nd dan aikidoka and former sandan judoka.
Practice how you want it to come out. I'm a big believer in kata. It's a great tool.
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