Our sensei has made kata a tenet of our dojo. So important is the study and practice of kata that he has dedicated one practice a week to it. The feedback that I get from other dojos is that they only do kata informally before regular practice or when rank advancement tests are coming. How important is kata? Is kata becoming to kendo what practicing figures is to figure skating? Is this another example of sport vs art?
Kata is important because it focuses on the fundamental techniques without the distraction of worrying about losing a point or any of that stuff.
It allows you to focus on getting your distance, strikes, timing, and a bunch of other things perfect. I could quote the intro of the Japanese Kata Manual but it would say something like that but only in more detail.
Kata is really important. About 30% of every practice I have is devoted to kata.
This was my thinking as well. I saw somewhere kata defined as the “living library of kendo” , I like that . I’ve reached the age of reflection (ha) and really enjoy the mental workout it gives.
we do kata formally every practice.
HTH
BigG
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