A kata is a choreographed set of martial art moves or techniques that simulate fighting an attacker. They are composed of blocks, kicks, punches, and stepping patterns. When rehearsed over and over, they help you improve in your skills. Some people claim that a kata, or form, is useless or no longer relevant. I believe the opposite. They are much more than a set of stepping patterns on the floor. When you look deeper than the surface, you find a deeper truth.
You can practice a kata a million times and yet it is different every time. There is always room for improvement. The moving elements use strong and powerful stances as you step with a punch and down block, or follow an imaginary line on the ground. There are a whole array of katas, simple to difficult. Basic movements eventually become maneuvers that challenge even the most experienced martial artists. Beginners often struggle as they try to decipher the correct direction and flow. The first, most basic kata, is always the most difficult to learn because it feels unnatural and confusing.
While forms practice is a good workout and looks pretty, don’t be fooled into thinking this dance of defense is easy or has little value. The intricacies and nuances are tremendous, especially when meshed and connected with life.
The martial art kata is not all that different than the “form” that makes up your life. Your life is an array of feelings and actions that sweep you in various directions. There are variables and surprises in your daily life, just as there are in martial arts and in the practice of katas. You may feel strong one day. Another day, you struggle with a positive mindset.
Life’s kata can be controlled in subtle ways. How you how you react, for instance, for what you strive, or how you treat others are the basics of the life kata. These important tenets of martial arts are also the ultimate tests and challenges of a purposeful life.
A few steps in one direction or another makes all the difference.
- One step forward, step with kindness.
- Two steps to the right, step with truth.
- Turn around, step with thoughtfulness.
- Back up a few steps, step with awareness.
- Jump high, reach for love.
- Finish strong, find peace.
One step leads to another. In the end, all of the steps blend together effortlessly. They are so seamless that you barely notice how they relate to each other. Flow and rhythm are everything. Both the life kata, and the martial art kata require practice, endurance, and skill. The key is to wear your black belt on the outside and on the inside and follow your direction.
Like a martial art form, life patterns itself on how you relate to others. Your practice partner is someone who helps you become stronger and more resilient. As in martial arts, you should continually grow in understanding and compassion in life.
The most beautiful thing about the life kata is its power through communication. The power to make others feel good. The power to forgive. The power to change negativity. The power to love.
The way I see it, life is one long, flowing kata. There is so much to learn. The practice never ends. You can’t reduce life to a certain number of simple steps just as katas offer continuous growth and learning. Embrace each moment in life, like embracing the truth of the kata. Step through life with diligence, persistence, and practice.
I learned this most valuable lesson about katas. Life is the most complicated kata you will ever experience. It is also the most original, remarkable, fascinating and challenging kata that you will ever learn.
Life is a complicated kata. Practice, practice, practice.
xoxo
Andrea
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The Martial Arts Woman Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrea-harkins
