Studying these three methods you will be able to understand the
exquisiteness of Karate as well as cultivating a strong, healthy body and
mind. I will explain these three methods below.
The first point refers to favoring either the right or left side, which is
not the aim of karate-jutsu. There is no bias to either the right or left side and instead it is necessary to move both sides in a similar fashion. The left hand is moved exactly as the right hand along with the other limbs.
The second point refers to maintaining the stability of the body as you move and turn. Using a poor method of turning and moving will result in an unnatural motion of your center of gravity; and if your motion is unnatural
then you will become vulnerable.
Finally, the third point refers to examining breath and vital energy. By examining your breath you can know your opponent, and know when he is going to attack. No matter how well your other attributes may be developed, when you do not know the correct breathing method, then all your efforts will be in vain. It is similar to the boiler of a locomotive breaking down. The boiler is essential to the locomotive and even if the
railroad line is complete and the engine working, if the boiler breaks down the locomotive will not run.
Realistic Results
 As I have stated before, kata develops the mind and body and is extremely important. Serious training allows you to resist and defend even against an unexpected opponent. It is vital that your mind not
become tired of training. If you continue to seriously practice undeterred everyday, then you will naturally build confidence, strength and martial spirit. If you continue to practice martial arts, a timid person will become strong and courageous. This is the only way to train now and in the past.
There were originally quite a lot of karate-jutsu kata. However, simply knowing a kata does not make one strong. Knowing a few kata is better. It is necessary to understand these kata deeply and to make these kata completely one's own. In the past, there were few karate-jutsu experts who knew many kata. If you specialize and study only a few kata, then you will be a serious karate- jutsu student. Miyagi Chojun studied the basic kenpo kata San Chin alone for several years. There is almost no one in Okinawa who does not know the name of Miyagi Chojun among karate-jutsu practitioners and non-practitioners. If an individual studies one kata correctly and deeply, it is more profitable than studying ten. I sincerely hope that you will study one kata deeply more than studying many.
Exerpt taken from Kobo Jizai, a book by Master Mabuni
Shito Ryu Kata
 Shito Ryu is one of the few styles in the world with over 60 Karate Kata. with this many kata, it's easy to see why many practitioners of Karate enjoy Shito Ryu for many years, some for their whole lifetime. In addition to this rich heritage, Shito Ryu is also one of the few styles of Karate where Kobudo, okinawan weaponry, is included as part of it's curriculumn.
At Kurokawa, we follow Master Mabuni's formula for success: Kihon, Kata, Kumite. The correct teaching and training in Kihon, "or basics", will lead to strong Kata "forms or patterns of movement". As these two become stronger, Kumite "sparring" also becomes stronger and more detailed.
Strong Kihon + Strong Kata = Strong Kumite |
