Kata No Rokugensoku (Six Principles of Kata)

Kata is a fundamental and essential part of all karate training, the below principles will help you understand that kata is much more than just a routine of move choreographed together.

1. Ikita Kata. Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose.

2. Inen. Kata must be performed with spirit.

3. Chikara no Kyojaku. Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.

4. Waza no Kankyu. Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

5. Kisoku no Donto. Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale and exhale.

6. Balance. Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of Kata.