Effectively Learning Kata

[Basho]

I've had a little trouble as of late with learning some of the higher forms (high for me, anyway) and with remembering my one step sparring techniques. Aside from regular practice, which I maintain, is there an especially effective way to learn kata and one steps that would improve retention of them? Or even a different way of looking at them.

...I have a horrible memory.

[Galaktia]

To be honest learning the sequence of movements shouldn't be to difficult. Learning the breathing, the technique, feeling, gearing, and balance is a bit harder.

If you are having trouble remembering which movement comes after which, then the only thing I can advise is repetition.

[Basho]

Originally Posted by Galaktia

To be honest learning the sequence of movements shouldn't be to difficult. Learning the breathing, the technique, feeling, gearing, and balance is a bit harder.

If you are having trouble remembering which movement comes after which, then the only thing I can advise is repetition.

Repetition is my specialty. I guess it just takes that.

[TKD&JKD]

Originally Posted by Basho

I've had a little trouble as of late with learning some of the higher forms (high for me, anyway) and with remembering my one step sparring techniques. Aside from regular practice, which I maintain, is there an especially effective way to learn kata and one steps that would improve retention of them? Or even a different way of looking at them.

...I have a horrible memory.

I agree with Galatkia repetition. If you wait till your at your class to train you forms you will never become much better. The more you practice on your own, the more proficient you will become.

[Shinobi_Kokujin]

i practice at home alot or will at least try to do it when i wake up or maybe a couple times before going to bed. cause i have a bad memory with forms too

sometimes i look up a particular set to see if a video is on youtube an use that to help with home training

[Chad]

Well when I did Kata, I used to make up a story to go with it, Answering the phone whilst sowing the seeds etc etc, perhaps you'd like to try that.



The stupider the story the more likely you are to remember it!

[Basho]

Originally Posted by Shinobi_Kokujin

i practice at home alot or will at least try to do it when i wake up or maybe a couple times before going to bed. cause i have a bad memory with forms too

sometimes i look up a particular set to see if a video is on youtube an use that to help with home training

Thanks. I took your advice and I did find some good videos. I need to watch it preformed. Sometimes a lot. I don't have that opportunity at the dojang.

[Basho]

Originally Posted by Chad

Well when I did Kata, I used to make up a story to go with it, Answering the phone whilst sowing the seeds etc etc, perhaps you'd like to try that.



The stupider the story the more likely you are to remember it!

I'll try that and let you know how it works.

[Gambatte Karate]

I like to practice kata by doing it in 3 to 5 move sequences. The first 3-5 moves, I practice until I can remember them all. Then, I practice them about 10 more times. Then, I add the next 3-5 moves, and do it all over again until I finish the kata.

[Galaktia]

Originally Posted by Gambatte Karate

I like to practice kata by doing it in 3 to 5 move sequences. The first 3-5 moves, I practice until I can remember them all. Then, I practice them about 10 more times. Then, I add the next 3-5 moves, and do it all over again until I finish the kata.

Any chance those are directional combat sequences... if so we do the same in my dojo.

[Gambatte Karate]

Originally Posted by Galaktia

Any chance those are directional combat sequences... if so we do the same in my dojo.

No, this is how we learn kata. But we also have 4 direction basics as well which are likely very simnilar to what you refer to.

[Galaktia]

No I mean kata

We divide our kata into directional combat sequences during learning,

For instance Pinan Nidan

Sequence 1

Yoi-dachi begining
Right shift, sitting into left facing Neko-ashi-dachi, Tettsui-Uke
Step forewards into Zenkutsu-dachi, Oi-tsuki through with the step.
Reached twist into 180 degree displaced Zenkutsu-dachi, geidan-barai
Shift weight back into Neko-ashi-dachi, tettsui-uke
Step forewards into Zenkutsu-dachi, Oi-tsuki through with the step.


Then we move onto sequence 2.

[Gambatte Karate]

Originally Posted by Galaktia

No I mean kata

We divide our kata into directional combat sequences during learning,

For instance Pinan Nidan

Sequence 1

Yoi-dachi begining
Right shift, sitting into left facing Neko-ashi-dachi, Tettsui-Uke
Step forewards into Zenkutsu-dachi, Oi-tsuki through with the step.
Reached twist into 180 degree displaced Zenkutsu-dachi, geidan-barai
Shift weight back into Neko-ashi-dachi, tettsui-uke
Step forewards into Zenkutsu-dachi, Oi-tsuki through with the step.


Then we move onto sequence 2.

Ok, I understand now. No, thats now how we teach it.

Pinan Shodan (possibly pinan nidan in some Shoto Kan schools)

Day 1)

1) yoi dachi
2) (hands on hips) step r foot out to right, niko ashi dachi facing left
3) (hands still on hips) Step Left foot out and turn 180*

STOP

Do this 3 times.....Then, add the hands three times.

Then, practice on students own three times using japanese thinking. (1 is one, 2 is two, 3 is....ten thousand basicly, they practice until I come to them and tell them to practice something different)

Then, day two is basicly the same as day one. Day three we move a bit further. Maybe 3 moves, maybe 4 moves.

[Galaktia]

AH, I have seen sensei in some dojos using that method. Though mainly that was when visiting other organisations dojos.

*Nods* diffrent approaches, but both useful.



And of course the pre-requisite, mines better tongue (Joking)

[Dean]

I like this subject. I am a forms fan. Have you noticed the profeciency level in the Japanesse styles compared to the korean style practioners? They look more crisp in their technique. I found this instructor on youtube that has most of the forms on his site YouTube - Pyung Ahn ee Dan. This is good to learn the form itself. And to demonstrate showmanship and attention to detail and saw this practitioner YouTube - Matsubayashi Ryu - Passai