Understanding Kata

    Hidetaka Nishiyama a student of Master Funakoshi was asked about the meaning of kata, he responded with this statement "Kata is the symbol of karate principles. Unfortunately, 95 percent of the people don't understand the real meaning of kata, they only see the external movements........which are irrelevant. You see, you must develop your own way in karate using the techniques of kata as a base. For example, if you're a painter and copy a Picasso, or Van Gough, or Monet, this might be OK for a while.......but only as a measure for learning. When you look at the work of these masters you see art at its highest level. That's the difference" ( Fraguas 2008).