Kata are sequential, pre-determined defense, attack, and counterattack forms used against multiple opponents. In addition to giving students practice in techniques, kata develops speed, breath control, balance, calm mind, rhythm, mushin, and coordination. Until this century, kata was considered the only and ideal method of karate training.

To grasp the meaning of kata, the true essence of Karate, one must be involved in one of the martial arts. The layman cannot hope to grasp the state of mind of an individual performing a kata. To him, the kata is only a series of movements that look like a form of dance. However, these beautiful and graceful movements are in reality far more than just a series of blocks, punches, kicks, and stances. One of the major aims of the karate student is to be able to perform all of the kata accurately.

The student repeats the kata many times in each class, placing emphasis on posture, balance, speed and coordination. Great emphasis is laid on increasing the student's vigor, heart, mind, and soul. The teaching is usually conducted in a group, but individual performance of the kata is continually revised by the instructor. Gradually, the student's character, attitude and intentions are unmistakably revealed to their instructor. Only then can the instructor help the student to acquire the mental power to overcome his own weakness and recognize the vanity and false ego which lies within him. This can be accomplished only by constant practice of the seemingly simple moves of kata.

Karate begins and ends with kata. People who say they cannot use kata techniques in self-defense or kumite either do not know their kata, or their kata form is not correct.

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