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We
practice 8 major Shorin ryu katas. Some people say that this is not
enough, but we say it is to much. Every kata of Shorin is separate style
(except Pinan), with its own techniques and tactics. You can easily
invest all your lifetime in mastering just 2-3 katas. So, only dan
grades practice all katas, everybody else focuses on just three
(Naifanchi, Passai & Kushanku). Please, take a
look. |
| What is kata? (Translated it means "pattern" or "flow")
Commonly
known, kata has been defined as a person “fighting against imaginary
opponents.” This claim, to some extent is true, but at the same it is
also misleading. It might be better to depict kata as “a handbook of
self-defense techniques.” By viewing it this way, a better picture of
kata will emerge. Kata is indeed an encyclopedia of techniques, helping
to recall techniques that an ancient master thought necessary to
perfect. In ancient times, kata was a way to preserve techniques that
might have been used to protect one’s life. A master places in his
kata ideas on how one can fight effectively against a common street
fighter or armed assailant.
Taken from article Kata of Shorin ryu Seibukan by Kim Mitrunen & Tommi Prami
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