Kata Purpose

During the past 20 years, there would appear to be a greater acceptance for the study of kata within the M.A. Community, The majority of that “study” (IMO) has been limited to interpreting those motions to (only) revolve around the most obvious (if not simplistic) interpretations of/for those motions. The objective of those interpretations is evidently to justify the interpretations that already exist (rather than being an attempt to expand that understanding).

I am inclined to view kata as providing examples of/for application principles (rather than being only examples of technique applications). I can understand why some instructor's would “Poo-Poo” the practice of kata (if the only purpose of the kata, would be for the exampling of “techniques”). That belief makes no sense. Without the understanding of the principles for how and why a technique can/will work, those motions are limited to singular applications.

When Oyata lectured at seminars, or during his classes, those lectures were provided in regards to various application principles. The (individual) “techniques” that he utilized (to illustrate those principles) were not the intent of those lectures. Oyata wasn't concerned if the attendees learned those applications, the goal was to demonstrate a “principle” (that could be utilized in/for multiple applications).

There are a vast number of Kata that are commonly taught within the martial art's community. Many of those kata repeat various motions (between them). If those motions were intended to represent specific techniques, what would be the purpose for their being repeated? (amongst those different kata). It makes greater sense (IMO), that they would represent the application of principles in varying circumstances.

If you take any specific motion, you can (on average) only come up with a limited number of ways that the motion can be utilized (whether alone, or in combination with additional actions). The kata that Oyata included in his system of instruction included those (popular) kata that he believed provided the most common of those uses. Once the principle of that use was understood, he saw no reason that it be (further) repeated. Oyata did develop separate exercises (that could easily be considered to be “kata” in their own right), but those were developed for his student's (further) understanding for the expanded use/application of those motions.

Having “knowledge of/for” a large number of techniques (for responding to a number of specific situations) is all well and fine, but it will not make you a “well-rounded” practitioner. The well-rounded practitioner can/will be able to respond to any aggressive action attempted against them. That ability is achieved by the student understanding the application of the defensive principles that are utilized in their practiced actions.(regardless of the “system” that they are practicing). By understanding those principles, one is able to make any motion/action be/become used as a defensive action or application.