Jin Gang
Green Belt
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2007
- Messages
- 123
- Reaction score
- 19
When you are first learning, the five pinan or the three naihanchi, or other similar kata like this definately feel like seperate kata. You're learning new techniques constantly, and each one feels like a big step forward.
As time goes on, perceptions change.
I count the three naihanchi as the same kata. You could easily perform them one after the next without a break, and they are very short in length individually. They contain the same footwork and techniques. Some Chinese styles teach forms like this, as well, breaking them into short sections.
I don't count the basics training exercises as kata or forms at all (even though they might be called kata). taikyoku and fukyugata I feel are in this category.
When counting the number of forms I practice, I count the larger forms/systems, not the sectional breakdowns.
Of shorin ryu, I stick with 8 kata. That would be 10 if I counted naihanchi as three instead of one.
Of Chinese/Indonesian style, I am maintaining 15 emptyhand forms.
If I counted all the sections of forms that I learned individually, there would be more like 23 forms.
As time goes on, perceptions change.
I count the three naihanchi as the same kata. You could easily perform them one after the next without a break, and they are very short in length individually. They contain the same footwork and techniques. Some Chinese styles teach forms like this, as well, breaking them into short sections.
I don't count the basics training exercises as kata or forms at all (even though they might be called kata). taikyoku and fukyugata I feel are in this category.
When counting the number of forms I practice, I count the larger forms/systems, not the sectional breakdowns.
Of shorin ryu, I stick with 8 kata. That would be 10 if I counted naihanchi as three instead of one.
Of Chinese/Indonesian style, I am maintaining 15 emptyhand forms.
If I counted all the sections of forms that I learned individually, there would be more like 23 forms.