Q&A for How to Practice a Kata

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What kata should a beginner practice?

George Rego
Martial Arts Expert
George Rego is a lifelong Martial Arts Expert, Self-Defense expert, and Author of the book, The Founding of Jujutsu & Judo In America. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in the self-defense arts of Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. He is currently a 5th-degree black belt in jujitsu (jiu-jitsu) and a 3rd-degree black belt in karate. While he has been a successful competitor, including being the 2015 National Freestyle Judo Lightweight Champion, his focus remains on learning and teaching martial arts for real-world self-defense. He is the National Jujitsu Director for the IKA and the Chief Instructor of the most well-attended Jukido Jujitsu school in the world, the Jukido Academy in Palm Coast, Florida, where he teaches people from all walks of life - from those with special needs to those who serve in the military special forces.

George Rego

Martial Arts Expert

Expert Answer

Good kata for a beginner to practice are best decided by one's direct teacher or sensei . Having said that, there are some kata that are widely practiced in many styles of karate, which are designed to introduce beginners to the practice of kata itself and/or to begin developing the core of one's karate foundation. Kata typically found in this category are: Taikyoku Shodan, Taikyoku Nidan, Taikyoku Sandan, Pinan Shodan (aka Heian Shodan), and Pinan Nidan (Heian Nidan).

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Question

How do you train kata at home?

George Rego
Martial Arts Expert
George Rego is a lifelong Martial Arts Expert, Self-Defense expert, and Author of the book, The Founding of Jujutsu & Judo In America. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in the self-defense arts of Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. He is currently a 5th-degree black belt in jujitsu (jiu-jitsu) and a 3rd-degree black belt in karate. While he has been a successful competitor, including being the 2015 National Freestyle Judo Lightweight Champion, his focus remains on learning and teaching martial arts for real-world self-defense. He is the National Jujitsu Director for the IKA and the Chief Instructor of the most well-attended Jukido Jujitsu school in the world, the Jukido Academy in Palm Coast, Florida, where he teaches people from all walks of life - from those with special needs to those who serve in the military special forces.

George Rego

Martial Arts Expert

Expert Answer

A karate student could consult with their sensei on recommendations for which solo forms or kata to practice at home. Basic kata such as those contained in the Taikyoku series or the early Pinan/Heian series might be appropriate. When practicing kata at home, the beginner should aim to be as precise as possible in order to reinforce technique into muscle memory. Practice makes permanent; as such, the karate student will want to practice with precision to ensure correct technique becomes second nature.

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Question

What if I forget the kata or freeze up? I do that a lot.

Community Answer

Look straight at the wall, and think of every move or line in the kata, and just do it. If you mess up, then just do the part you remember, and go from there.

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Question

How do I do a perfect orange belt kata?

Community Answer

Practice it as much as you can. Many judges look for good stances and power. Also, make sure you don't go too fast, if you go too fast, you have a higher risk of messing up. That being said, don't go too slow. Find a balance. Practice whenever you have time and go through the moves in your head.

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Question

How many kata are there in karate?

Community Answer

It can vary, but usually the is one kata for lower belts and two or more for upper belts. Black belts have a wide range of katas to choose from. Again, it can vary depending on what style of karate you are training in.

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