Kata is an advanced form of training found in all classical karate styles and is practiced regularly in Goju ryu. Think of Kata as a link to the past masters, they are training drills that teach technique application, they teach focus, (Kime) endurance, speed, balance, power and strength. They also train you into linking combinations into a practical series of techniques.

Many instructors will provide you with a personal explanation of the Kata's to help you understand what they are for and why you are being taught them. Most Kata's will start and finish on the same spot and this is one of the ways an instructor will test your performance and progress. You will come into contact with Katas at an early stage in your training, the first of these being the Gekasai's, (To destroy) the first of these two powerful katas must be learned in order to progress to a coloured belt grade.

The first step to learning the Kata is in single steps, performed at the instructors command. The instructor instructs you to perform them in sequences only once you have learned the moves, each sequence is made of a series of techniques separated by pauses, and represents a response to an imaginary sparring situation. (Visualisation) The pause is used to prepare for dealing with the next threat.

You will only be allowed to perform Kata all the way through only once you have learned all the techniques, and the order in which to perform them. Kata is not a race to finish first!

The instructor calls 'Hajime!' (Begin) at the beginning of the kata and 'Yamei!' (Stop) at the end. Finish your kata by pulling back into Yoi (Ready stance), draw your heels together and bow (Standing).

Always look before turning in a new direction and do not run your techniques into each other, aim for a smooth performance and balance and avoid unnecassary hesitation, breathe correctly and use kiai (Shout of spirit) at the appropriate points.

After practicing kata for many hours the moves become muscular memory and automatic, then you can focus on what the kata means and achieve a high level of performance.