Learning Multiple Kata at the same time.
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
What is your take on learning Kata?
First of all remember that Kata (or forms) are the preset series of movements that some martial arts require for advancement. Typically these are done solo, but can be done in groups simultaneously, during training. The movements can be composed of the actual combat techniques peculiar to a system, or may be more stylized versions that allude to actual techniques. Generally speaking, one of the reasons for performing kata is to practice basics in combination with movement and each other. There is no finish-line, one is supposed to gain new insight as one’s proficiency develops. As with most aspects of martial arts there is a lot of controversy about kata. Some question whether or not it is necessary or helpful, and others will disagree on content, meaning, and execution.
Today’s kata question.
Is it appropriate to be learning more than one kata at a time? One instructor feels that due diligence requires a focus on one kata at a time. Another feels that if a student is ready to acquire more information, then he or she should. The student in question can always decline to learn more than one kata at a time.
The kata in question could both be empty hand, or weapon, or a mix. They could be relatively long or short. Does it depend on the particular student, or should there be a fixed rule? If a fixed rule, what would that look like? A certain amount of time should pass after learning a kata before instruction in another should begin? A certain degree of proficiency in one before another? Or should the time requirement be dropped and just require the demonstrated proficiency? Wouldn’t that be the same as having a next kata depend on the student?
I must say that for myself two kata at the same time is my limit. I had tried to learn three at once and that didn’t turn out so well. Don’t forget, kata aren’t the only thing one is in the process of learning in a dojo!
Are those of you who are dancers or musicians have a take on this as it relates to what you learn? I get the feeling that dancers and musicians are expected to learn multiple pieces at any one time, isn’t that true?