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Katas
Cross
Reference List
Nexus Kenpo teaches the katas
of the Tracy System of Kenpo
New students often ask, "What
is a kata?" the simple answer is that a kata is a series
of martial arts movements and stances put togetherto aid students
in practicing their given style.
Blocks, strikes, kicks and
stances of all kinds are arranged together in different ways
to create a kind of choreographed martial arts dance.
As simple as that sounds,
kata practice offers an incredibly rich variety of practical
and theoretical experience. A short list of the benefits of
practicing katas would include the following.
- Muscle memory created by
the repetitive practice of blocks, strikes, kicks and stances.
- Strategy. Such as, how
to create distance, or bridge the gap between an attacker
and a defender. Also, to familiarize the student with the
angles of movement, etc.
- Develops concentration
and focus through the discipline and patience required to
learn katas of varying lengths and complexities
- Can be a form of physical
exercise when performed with power and intensity.
- Studying the katas of other
systems can serve as an introduction to other styles of
martial arts.
This is just the beginning
of the discussion of the topic of katas.
For example the above list
could be expanded to include such topics as:
- Traditional kata
- Contemporary kata
- Empty hand kata
- Weapons katas
- Group katas
- Kata competition
- Team kata etc.
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Kata training often reveals
new insights into Kenpo that students find exciting and surprising.
So, as you can see, the simple
answer is just the beginning. Students are encouraged to accept
and approach kata training with enthusiasm and an open mind.
There are 15 katas required
for Shodan in the Tracy System of Kenpo.
Yellow Belt has no kata requirement.
Orange Belt has one kata requirement.
Two katas are required for each belt thereafter.
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