KATA... THE ULTIMATE TRUTH

A study of form or a study of pragmatic function?
A solo principle-driven mnemonic system.
Do you know the difference?
Have you the knowledge to decipher what’s within?

"In kata, there are things that you can see and things you cannot.
In kata bunkai, you usually demonstrate what you can see.
But if you don't understand what's hidden, you cannot claim
to have acquired that kata."
— Yoshio Kuba Sensei

So, my history in the martial arts is quite well documented now, but for those who don’t know, I started at the age of 8—nearly 9—simply to learn to protect myself. Living on quite a rough council estate, there was a great need to learn this even at such a young age. So, I started with a friend’s father, who taught us Southern Praying Mantis as a way of self-protection. For many years, this consisted of strengthening exercises and actual fighting techniques rather than practising forms or kata. Fast forward to age 16—the family had emigrated, and I was left to pursue martial arts elsewhere. As most did then, I simply went to my nearest known club, which for me turned out to be a Shotokan dojo. There, I was introduced to kata, and I must be honest—I used to dread a kata class. I found it boring and tedious.

Why?

Quite simply because I was being taught kata for form and nothing else—almost like a choreographed dance (certainly not what I was used to).

Stories of my early sparring sessions are the stuff of nightmares. I nearly got excluded many times. In fact, in later years, I was excluded from many dojos for my "testing ways." I’ll let those who know tell those stories… lol.

Fast forward again, and after going through various life changes and experiences, I began to realise that the kata I had been taught wasn’t the way kata was originally meant to be.

It is well documented that Masters of old—Motobu Choki, etc.—were dismayed at the kata and karate they witnessed once karate was "made a Japanese Budo." The changes that were implemented were vastly different from the original form. Many things were removed, such as dangerous, maiming, or killing techniques, but also the power generators were played down or simply removed.

Why?

Simply because there was no need for them in a kata that had been adapted for a completely different reason. That reason became more about developing the character of the participant rather than the combat effectiveness, body mechanics, and principles that lay within the kata.

By the early 1900s, kata took on a more aesthetic, calisthenic role—not all, but most. And it was this type of karate that was exported to the West in general. Again, not all, but most.

From my extensive studies, I believe that one of the main differences in returning kata to its original purpose is the reintroduction of power generation principles.

Why?

Because studying power generation serves one purpose and one purpose only: to inflict maximum damage—if needed—on any would-be aggressor. This brings back the imperative mindset of Ichigeki Hissatsu—the ability to end it with one blow.

"Everything in everything," as Sensei used to say.

Modern boxers employ power coaches to teach them power generation dynamics so they can hit as hard as possible. For the same reason, I believe—and from my intense studies of kata in its original form—that many power generators were originally included. Now, in all kata, there are things in plain sight and things that are not. Some you could even say are hidden.

But what do I mean by hidden?

It isn’t secret knowledge, as some writings suggest. Rather, there are principles and body mechanics within kata that, without outside knowledge, you simply wouldn’t see.

Outside knowledge can be anything from:

• Another martial art
• Sports science
• Fascial studies
• Combat studies and approaches (military and civilian levels)
• Human biology and physiology

Anything that involves the study of human movement can be within a kata.

• Why does the kata tell us to move there?
• Why does that follow or precede this?
• Why do some parts flow while others stop?
• Why sink?
• Why rise?
• Why that stance?
• Why that direction and not another?

If you're looking at kata for its original practical purpose, then nothing—and I mean nothing—was superfluous or aesthetic. Everything has a reason. If that reason isn’t obvious, further outside studies are required to uncover it.

1. Where is power generation in kata?

The answer is simple: it takes outside study to see it within.

1. How do you know what you know?

The answer is always the same: I study—and trust me, I study a LOT—both more and wider than most.

Now, back this up with a real mindset and knowledge of real-world, non-consensual civilian attacks—not karate vs. karate, silly made-up attacks—and you arrive at the true difference between learning kata for function versus form.

Please don’t get me wrong—there is nothing wrong with studying and training kata for form. It’s a fantastic calisthenic exercise that promotes many beneficial attributes for a healthy, supple, and strong body. Just don’t mistake that for the application and knowledge of koryu kata.

Also, not every kata was designed for dealing with violence. Modern Heian/Pinan kata were formulated from older kata to promote movement and health over practical application. However, if you break them down and trace them back to their source, they can be applied to dealing with violence.

I remember when one of my students—a senior martial artist who had been studying Shotokan for decades—said:

"I can’t see this in the kata I have been taught."

My answer was simple:

"That’s because it isn’t there. We need to remove what you were taught and replace it with its original meaning and version. Otherwise, you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."

Credit to him—he stuck with it, and the truth was revealed. He saw the light. After practising karate one way for many years, it takes a certain mindset to realise that what you were doing wasn’t for the reason you thought it was—and then start again. The Koryu Kyudokan is full of such individuals.

The Two Categories of Kata Study:

The study of kata should be split into two simultaneous categories:

1. Solo practice (80% principle-driven, 20% Oyo/application)

• Focus on how to punch, kick, strike, move, generate power, breathing, and body mechanics.
• Not imaginary opponents or scenarios.

2. Non-solo practice (80% application, 20% principle-driven)

• Two-person fighting drills based on real, non-consensual violence.

To practise kata with principles at its core, outside knowledge is required:

• For solo kata: Sports science, fascial studies, biomechanics.
• For Oyo/application: Psychology, pre-violence traits, anatomy, OODA loops, fear response mechanisms.

If you know how to study kata, then everything you need is already within it.

I have always been reluctant to share this method, but after many requests following the Amigos seminar and podcast interviews, I felt compelled to put this piece together. I hope this makes you think deeper about kata study—because digging deeper may just reveal everything you need to improve your karate.

Ultimately, your karate and kata journey is your choice—just make sure it’s an informed one.

Written by Sensei Steve Lowe.