The use of "kata" (or prearranged sequences is pretty much a standard practice in the martial arts world. The most widely known application or description of the word is "form" and, as far as the majority of budoka are concerned, is defined as the 'solo practice of the skills necessary for advancement'. In the ninja's taijutsu combat method, the term is translated as a 'fight scenario', and the kanji used to write the word or idea for each type of 'kata' is also different. The ninja's terminology, based on the translation of the kanji, allows for the 'fight scenario' to be practiced in solo fashion (called shadow boxing) even though its definition implies two or more people, where the more common 'karate-type' kanji usually limits the 'forms' application to the 'shadow boxing' use.

A kata, regardless of whether we are talking about the 'form' or 'fight-scenario' brand is used to transmit the principles and strategies of a particular system. Techniques, actions or specific skills are also contained but usually NOT the focus of a kata.

There are also many other uses for a kata and students should be aware of the focus of their teacher's lesson when practicing. Any kata, regardless of the name, can be used to develop and improve:

• timing
  
• distancing and angling
  
• hand/eye coordination
  
• self-defense strategy
  
• success
  
• overcoming a failed technique
  
• flow
  
• stringing together basic actions
  
• history
  
• targeting & body movement precision
  
• form
  
• meditation
  
• developing fight spirit
  
• practice being fierce
  
• perceptions
  
• naturalness
  
• spontaneous response
  
• staging
  
• decision making skills
  

as well as a focus for breathing rhythms, balance, and aerobic conditioning exercises. This is of course a limited list that could include many other topics.

As you can see, there is a lot that can be done with kata, but the major point here is that they should not be seen as 'holy' things that are unchangeable or THE 'things' that will make you a master. It should also be well understood that a kata is not what you will use to win a fight. If anything, it may show you possible ways that the energy of a particular fight might lead to a possible ending, in the training hall. The last thing you will want on the street is a pre-arranged scenario.

Remember that there are two things that everyone needs to do to become an expert at something; regardless of whether its taijutsu, chemistry, or carpentry. They are:

1. Basics (Kihon Happo) - These are the individual movements, strikes, kamae, etc. that will hurt someone when you mean to. They are the measurements, use of tools, tables of elements and building standards for the chemist and carpenter. These are the things, individually, that need to be drilled to death!

2. Free response (dynamics) - This is the ability to create something on the spur of the moment, based on your knowledge of the basics. The ability to fit-in with an attacker and let go of techniques that are no longer working. When you have problems here it is because you are getting further away from the basics.

I think this explains things perfectly. The need to cling to the kata as being IT or as a sign of how good you are tends to be something that permeates a 'beginner's' mentality. 'Anyone' can learn a kata! To be able to identify the prompters that will lead to a similar ending in the heat of a fight, or to be able to embody the principles and strategies so well that your kihon (basics) flow effortlessly (dynamics) from moment to moment (staging) without the need for a 'kata' guide is the mark of a true expert.

One last word about self-defense - my focus for studying this millenium-old martial art. A student must be careful to monitor their progress towards any given goal. If your goal is to be able to protect yourself against whatever might come your way, you must make sure that what you are studying AND, even more importantly, that the WAY you are studying it will get you to your destination.

Speaking from experience, when you are confronted by someone who intends to do you harm there is only one thing that you can be sure of and that is 'how you feel' at that given moment in time. The only thing you will have to rely on is past experience(s). You cannot be sure of:

• how he feels
  
• how far he is willing to go to win
  
• what experience he has at damaging other people
  
• the attacker's psychological state
  
• etc.
  

It is much easier to concentrate on doing a kata picture perfectly and just become good at that. Many are 'wowed' by a great performance just as much as martial artists enjoy giving one. There is nothing wrong with doing kata for kata's sake, IF THAT IS YOUR GOAL. Just make sure that you are very, very clear on that point AND that you let others know it. It is easy to slip and cause ourselves to believe that we are practicing for self-defense if we are not. It is even easier for someone else to think that your study of martial arts is some kind of macho, testosterone-driven, 'tough-guy' (or girl) kick and decide to call you on it.

The kata are there. The choice is yours. What will you do with the knowledge?

Jeff Miller is a Licensed Private Investigator and Personal Protection Agent. He is the chief instructor of Miller's Martial Arts/Bujinkan Kuryu Dojo in Sunbury, PA. He has been training in the martial and meditative arts for 2/3 of his life with the last 11 years attempting to capture the 'essence' of ninpo-taijutsu, under the guidance of Shihan Stephen K. Hayes. Mr. Miller is a firearms instructor and wilderness survival tactician and conducts seasonal seminars on the topics. He is the editor of the HANNYA ('Insight') newsletter for individuals interested in learning more about themselves and their art. He may be contacted at: JMMiller@aol.com