Can you tell me if Kenpo is different? Is it a general practice to teach applications for the movements in kata? And if so, in general, how quickly are they taught and for what percentage of the kata?
In American kenpo from my understanding the forms are a string of techniques thast are also taught outside of kata
First, as I am really interested in kata application, I would like to know. Second, if applications are learned, it really reinforces your statement that if you throw a kata out, then you are throwing out useful technique that needs to be replaced.
I argue that in most karate systems, the unfortunate truth is that good applications are rarely taught for kata movements, and therefore, if you throw out a kata, you really don't have to replace it, because it wasn't providing anything that needed replacing.
From my experience in Shaolin kempo, basic descriptions of movements were taught as techniques. This is very limitinmg and can get you terribly hurt in a real situation. Since i began teaching i have really learned to see in the forms concepts, turns, angles, throws, breaks, motion, timing, distance etc that need to be taught better. That i will venture to say cannot be taught better outside of forms/ kata practice. This became even more apparent after learning Naihanchi kata from Soke Cuevas. As my understanding greew in this form it began to translate to all my training including forms and techniques. I found things in techniques that i did not see before. i learned the how of pulling things off from my forms. To be sure i worked the bag and against a resisting opponent attacking mer with whatevber they felt like. At first it was difficult but the more i learned from my forms the more i could pull off things the first time around wit hrelative ease. each time i find a weak area i can find the answer in the kata i already have...then i search out training partners and teachers and people omn this forum to verify or not my understanding. There is no real ability without understanding or visa versa. However, now learning a new form is easier and i can focus in on the new concept it teaches more easily b/c i know a few other forms very well.
I thuink all forms must be run through almost every day...although 80 is a scary number, but take the time to focus in on one or two for months. the benefits are exponentional.
Oh yes i find "or" a very good word when learning/teaching/understanding application of forms...and set techniques
On top of that, the common practice of doing these kata 50-100 times a
year makes any hope of practical use very unlikely.
