קאטה
KATA A kata is a pre-arranged sequence of moves. Most of the current karate schools treat the kata as merely a means of practising one's basics and it is true that on the surface, katas seem impractical and a rather superficial training tool. However, a deeper analysis of katas reveals several layers of meanings: what was once an elaborate and impractical strike becomes a savagely effective joint-lock or a vital- point knockout. In fact, the original Okinawan katas were storehouses of information, containing all the secrets of the system, such as vital point techniques, locks and throws. While one can learn the moves of a kata in as little as a day, it can take several years to master a kata and learn all its secrets. For example, the kata Naihanchi (also known as Tekki) contains, to the author's incomplete knowledge, 2 potentially lethal techniques, 4 knockouts and several throws and joint-locks! Practising kata not only ingrains the movements of its techniques within the practitioner, it also helps his footwork, basics, breathing, balance and flow. As such, the importance of kata in training cannot be over-stated. Simply put, the kata *IS* Okinawan karate. BUNKAI Bunkai refers to the break-down of a kata, to analyze the moves hidden within. These can be strikes, locks, throws or pressure-point strikes. They can also represent certain principles such as footwork, weight shifts, etc. Often, each move of a kata has several moves. For example, a simple turn followed by a low block, can be an arm-bar, a strike to the groin, a throw very similar to o-goshi or a neck break. There are several level of bunkai, and there is no single, correct bunkai for a given move. As one advances up the ranks, one gains a better and deeper understanding of the katas and their bunkai. [מתוך: http://www.goju-ryu.info/] זה די ממצא לפי דעתי. דרך אגב, המורה שלי טוען שיש כ- 27 טכניקות שונות עד לחצי של naihanchi shodan, אני (אישית) מכיר 6 טכניקות טובות לקאטה הזאת. הינה עוד מקור: Kata is a sequence of moves, designed to look like a dance, where one side of a move represents you and the other your opponent in a kumite move. Kata have been handed down for generations. Those involved in direct transmission of authentic traditions know, that, Kata never represent a scenario in which multiple opponents are attacking you in some prearranged fighting sequence. This is a modern concept brought on by insufficiently trained people attempting to teach others. No one, these days, knows why kata was the vehicle chosen for transmission of the tradition. However, it is safe to say, “Without kata there would be no Ryukyu Kenpo, or Karate for that matter, today”. Kata is solo practice; where one overcomes the mind - and - body’s natural reluctance to perform with such technical precision. In addition to the immense physical improvement Kata engenders, as one progresses, Kata become intriguing “brain teasers”. They inspire the mind to unlock their treasure troves of unique defensive applications, enhancing the cognitive processes, while supplying hours of enjoyment in the mental gymnastics employed. In this way, Kata serves to help maintain, both, physical and mental health in Ryukyu Kenpo practitioners All of the techniques employed in kumite jutsu are taken, directly, from movements in the Ryukyu Kenpo Kata. [מתוך: http://ryukyukenpo.org/] בעז