INTRODUCTION
Let us now take a look at forms of combat. Many of the martial systems taught today do this through the study of kata. In fact, looking at the majority of martial arts systems, kata might appear to be a prominent feature of the martial arts. To begin, let's define the term Kata. Kata are series of pre-defined movements which would apply to specific combative circumstances. The movements can usually be broken down into simple, individual sections, aiding in the memorization and understanding of specific elements in the art from which they came. With the majority of the martial arts systems trained and taught today placing a large emphasis on kata, several important questions come to light. How does the concept of kata aid in the development of realistic and effective combative skill? Is kata effective in this development of effective and efficient martial skill? This section will take a look at these questions and try to apply them to a contemporary setting.

When looking at kata, it can be seen that they are precise movements designed to be applied to very specific situations. An important point to consider is that these specific movements become static, in that the design parameters are never changed. Combat however, rarely conforms to the sequential, often rigid parameters implied by kata. The very dynamics of a fight suggest that combat is an ever changing and rarely static entity. The specifics of any two attacks are never identical, and this makes it very difficult, if not impossible to apply a static solution such as kata to the problem. This also makes it almost impossible to suggest that a specific kata can be taken from a Dojo and effectively applied in a street situation without modification. Where then does this leave kata in the study of combat? This is a question that many martial schools neglect. To instill within students the belief that kata is their way out of a fight might be seen as the encouragement of fatal tendencies. This is because non dynamic solutions are rarely capable of solving dynamic problems. Due to this unsuitability of fixed movements being applied to changing elements, there is a need to expand upon the concept of kata.

THE VALUE OF KATA
All this is not to say that kata has no place in contemporary combative training. It may be a valuable tool in training. However, in order to be effective, the context of the kata must be examined and understood. The elements and components of kata bear merit in that kata contain specific techniques and physical combative principles. These principles and techniques may then be studied and expanded upon, using the original kata as a reference point. The specific techniques which are found in kata are often excellent in their effectiveness and efficiency. Whether or not these techniques relate to close in fighting skills (such as grappling, throwing, and wrestling) or long range distance fighting skills (such as punching, kicking, and striking), in the study of kata the concepts of balance, control, timing and coordination are introduced to technique. These four concepts are the keystone to most combative techniques. Without them, injury occurs in training, as well as the development of fatal tendencies and ineffective combative skill.

To quickly reiterate this key point: It is possible to train and develop the virtues of balance, control, timing and coordination through their application in kata. Herein lies the real value of kata. When kata is viewed as a tool used to perfect the physical dynamics and elements of technique, its' usefulness becomes strikingly apparent. Kata provides a student of the combative arts with a means to examine and perfect individual body movement. The parameters outlined by kata eliminate complexities which arise in live situations and allow the practitioner to isolate specific problems he or she may encounter in the application and learning of specific techniques. It is in the simplified form provided by kata that technique can be most effectively learned.

THE APPLICATION OF KATA THROUGH HENKA
Once the principles of effective combative technique have been learned through properly taught kata, it becomes essential to tear apart the structure of the kata. Due to the extreme variation found in combat, memorizing fixed forms of movement for the purpose of applying them in a live altercation becomes dangerous at its best. Here, the concept of henka comes into play. Henka is most easily described as "variation". Once the fundamentals of techniques are learned, variations of these techniques should be created and practiced. To let a technique fall into one specific form is the development of fatal tendencies. One who is highly skilled in combative application of techniques is a fighter who is capable of varying the techniques he or she has spent years learning to accommodate the variable dynamics of a live situation. Where most anyone could be taught to punch according to the parameters defined by a kata, it is highly unlikely that this "specialized" punch would be encountered on the street. Different attackers have different body sizes and dynamics of movement. No two people will attack in precisely the same manner, nor will the reactions and effects of specific techniques be the same on any given two people. The vast variety which becomes possible in combat makes it necessary to prepare for variation. Training in such a manner, variation becomes an intricate and fundamental part of our combative study.

The majority of the techniques illustrated in many of the quality martial arts publications available today might be seen as kata. Individual techniques are shown, and the physical principles which govern the mechanics of the techniques are explained. Once these are understood, it is important to realize that these techniques may take on hundreds, if not thousands of different forms. Although they can all be explained scientifically through simple physics, many different variables can quickly be introduced which immediately complicate a technique. To feel the subtle changes which can have such a great effect on the effectiveness and dynamics of our own technique becomes a matter of practice. By preparing to modify technique, a skilled combatant is able to create his or her own skill as it is needed. It is this flexibility which is often overlooked in other systems.

CONCLUSION
Offering a platform on which to build technique, kata provides us with a means of learning different combative skills and techniques. The simple scientific principles of these techniques can be seen in kata, and it is here where they are most easily learned. It is the destruction of kata where their teachings becomes effective. Fixed form applies to fixed movements, and these fixed movements are seldom, if ever seen in actual combative application. Here, the need to adapt becomes strong. Kata let us learn our technique, but it is important to break down their structure through the practice of henka, creating a realistic ability to engage in combat and emerge successfully.

Jason DeJong is currently a student at the University of Calgary, just completing his 4th year. Having achieved the rank of shodan last year, he started training in Ninjutsu in 1989 under Sensei Jayson Creasey in Calgary, Alberta and continues to study there today. He is currently working on a revision of his first book, "Ninpo Taijutsu...Fundamental Principles of Effective Armed and Unarmed Combat." Jason can be contacted via e-mail at: jason@rrt.com.