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To grasp the meaning of kata, the true essence of Karate, one must be involved in one of the martial arts. The layman cannot hope to grasp the state of mind of an individual performing a kata. To the untrained observer, kata is only a series of movements that look like a form of dance. However, these beautiful and graceful movements are in reality far more than just a series of blocks, punches, kicks and stances. One of the major aims of the Karate practitioner is to be able to perform all of the kata accurately; and most of all to be able to immerse himself totally, (mind and body), in the movement. As kata performance improves, one becomes aware of more than the physical being.

The student repeats the kata many times in each class, placing emphasis on posture, balance, speed and coordination. Great emphasis is laid on increasing the student's vigor, heart, mind and soul. The teaching is usually conducted in a group, but the individual's kata performance is continually revised by the instructor. Gradually, the student's character, attitude and intentions are unmistakably revealed to the instructor. Only then can the instructor help the student to recognize the vanity and false ego which lies within him, and that hinder the focusing of his natural energies in his daily life. This can be accomplished only by the constant practice of the seemingly simple moves of kata.

Karate is an art that liberates our natural energies properly; energies that were stored in each of us, but which, in ordinary circumstances, were cramped or distorted. Kata, the true essence of Karate, is the channel through which one immerses the self totally, (narikiru) and is able to produce an introspective consciousness, shifting from the external focus of attention to the internal one. The execution of the movements in the kata are intended to bring forth the awareness of one's flow of ki, (energy) throughout the entire body.

Recommendations for Study

The following are important recommendations and mottos under which Karate-Do should be learned and practiced.

1. Develop Karate-Do on the basis of its history and tradition..

2. Study and practice kata strictly and correctly. (in order to focus all possible strength into each movement of the kata,     constant repetition is required. The body must be thoroughly trained, and this takes many years, Even after many years, kata     practice is never finished, for there is always something new to be learned about executing a movement).

3. Study and practice kumite (formalized and free-fighting), not primarily for tournament purposes, but to acquire ma-ai; to     develop the martial art sense of reading the opponent's movements, and to develop kiai and stamina, which cannot be fully     attained through the practice of kata alone.

    Fully utilize such methods as rope-skipping, exercise with barbells, dumbells, chishi, (an ancient form of dumbell), sashi     (iron-hand grip), etc. to develop the muscles and physical power.

4. Study the use of makiwara from every possible angle in order to develop atemi, or concentrated destructive power. This     force is manifested in such demonstrations as the breaking of boards, tiles, or bricks with the hands or feet.

In conclusion, let us remember that in some cases, it is permissible to revise the ancient arts to make them more popular and modern. However, it is also dangerous and unwise to reject old things just because they are old. Karate was created by our ancestors and throughout its long history from generation to generation, it has conquered many difficulties and survived with its essential spirit intact. Karate like all things classical, has the potential to meet the demands of various ages and to produce something new out of itself without rejecting those basic elements upon which it was founded. The formal training methods of the great masters of the past must be observed because Karate was meant to be pursued as a martial art, not a sport where the goal is defeating an opponent or winning points. Karate has an ancient heritage, full of wisdom. Let us follow the way of Karate as shown to us by the masters.

The way of Karate can be followed by anyone; man, woman, or child--and through Karate training we can attain the highest ideals of beauty and strength. The fusing of mind and body in Karate is indescribably beautiful and spiritual.