Dogmatic Religious Adherence for Preservation

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Hey, Michael Clarke of the Shinseidokan Dojo blog wrote about a discussion he and a friend had on kata. The question was whether one should rigidly preserve the kata in the way it was originally taught or practice with an open mind toward individual interpretation of that kata. His exact words were, “ … whether or not kata should be [rigidly] preserved, or open to interpretation?” - Michael Clarke, Shinseidokan Dojo

He also stated that kara are there to be understood and in a nutshell, for me, answer the question quite well. To understand the kata you have to practice the kata, over time, in three stages. Ever hear of, “Shu-ha-ri?” 

In my mind, one should adhere dogmatically, “Perform the kata,” to the kata as taught in a dogmatic way until they get to a certain point then they should deviate. This is the practice phase where we pass by the mere physical performance of the kata and begin to, “Understand the kata.” I look at it as a paradigm mind-set shift because as everyone is saying, there is more to kata then merely the form. It isn’t just application as to bunkai but to understand you do have to go past the surface or the book cover and begin to read the content of the book to begin to hear and understand the story. 

If a practitioner is very, very lucky they reach a point of deep understanding, an understanding that is unique to that person and that person alone and is not compared to others, then it is time to begin, “Living the kata.” This is where one has achieved enough understanding and experience to begin their personal, “Interpretation of the kata.” 

Clarke Sensei is also hitting the nail on the head saying, “The role of kata … it’s something to ponder, don’t you think?” To which I would answer resoundingly, “You betcha Clarke Sensei!” I have pondered my kata practice and I will continue to do so.

It is a shame that many never get past the dogmatic performance level with kata for the accolades and self-gratifying trophy collecting levels to really understand kata to their fullest. 

Note: I am not insinuating that I have that understanding and yet I can say that at the very least I understand what needs to be done so I continue to do what is needed in the hopes that one day I will truly understand the kata - then, maybe I can finally interpret them with understanding.   

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