According to Wikipedia, “Kata… literally: “form”… is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs.” My interest in this blog, is to point out the fitness benefits of katas. My background in Kenpo Karate (specifically Chinese Kenpo derived from Tracys Karate - now AKKA (American Kenpo Karate Association)) has put me in a good position to use katas as a way to get into shape.
What are katas you might ask? The simple answer is a kata combines a bunch of martial arts moves into a kind of dance. A practitioner of karate or kung fu practices katas for exercise and improving one’s form in there respective martial art. My interest now in katas (I’m already a 5th degree black-belt) are for improving my lifetime fitness. Movie stars in action films have to learn fighting sequences for their movies that are akin to katas. I did a post on my other site, MySelfDefenseBlog.com about the fight senes Milla Jovovich had to do in her movie Ultraviolet here! Here is a sample of katas performed by the Kung Fu Femmes troupe at Las Vegas for your perusal.
I have started to practice my forms (katas) again for my fitness goals. Looking at katas specifically, you would not think they are too hard except you really do have to get the speed, timing and form down to do katas correctly. I also practice karate drills on my Century Wavemaster bag to improve my workout. I have found that my blood pressure drops for the rest of a day after an aerobic workout!
I remember watching a news story how Cassius Clay (now Mohammad Ali) shadow boxed in his prison cell (he refused to serve due to his religious beliefs). Ali was able to come out of prison in shape to fight! I think this famous example of how katas (in this instance shadow boxing) contributed to Mohammad Ali’s fitness makes me believe that katas should be a part of an overall workout (assuming you have had martial arts training).
I found a video of a karate champion (Anthony Atkins) demonstrating a workout he does to keep fit and excel in kata competition. You can find more videos of Anthony Atkins katas here. When I reviewed this video I remembered fondly of the days I used to teach karate on a mountain top close to my old apartment in the 80′s. The rugged terrain and absence of distractions added to the intensity of a workout. Here is Anthony Atkins video.
Wow, wasn't that great! Now for many of you, you will not find yourself doing karate on mountain tops or woodlands and might be wondering how this relates to YOUR life? Easy - almost everyone at some time or another, has done some physical sport or activity that they enjoyed. Many of us, as we get older, end up dropping these activities as life gets busy (babies, work, you name it). Some of you don't really have an activity that comes to mind - that you would still like to do. My suggestion is to re-adopt or find some physical activity that will bring you enjoyment and practice it for life! That way you too can be fit for life!
Feedback