The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications

by Lawrence A. Kane, Kris Wilder, Jeff Cooper (Foreword)

The Principles for Understanding Kata are Largely Unknown – Until Now The ancient masters developed kata, or "formal exercises," as fault-tolerant methods to preserve their unique, combat-proven fighting systems. Unfortunately, they deployed a two-track system of instruction where an 'outer circle' of students unknowingly received modified forms with critical details or important principles omitted. Only the select 'inner circle' that had gained a master's trust and respect would be taught okuden waza, the powerful hidden applications of kata. The theory of deciphering kata applications (kaisai no genri) was once a great mystery revealed only to trusted disciples of the ancient masters in order to protect the secrets of their systems. Even today, while the basic movements of kata are widely known, advanced practical applications and sophisticated techniques frequently remain hidden from the casual observer. The principles and rules for understanding kata are largely unknown. This groundbreaking book unveils these methods, not only teaching you how to analyze your kata to understand what it is trying to tell you, but also helping you to utilize your fighting techniques more effectively―both in self-defense and in tournament applications. Fifteen general principles to identify effective techniques

Genres: Martial Arts

310 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2005

Reviews

[William Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong martial artist with a foundation in karate, kata has always been a part of my curriculum. This book gives insight into the true meaning behind the patterns and movements, and is a good step in examining your own kata forms if you practice karate. By learning the true applications and how they can be applied realistically, kata ceases to be just a ritualistic "dance", and instead becomes a catalog of fighting movements.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those that have already begun interpreting why and why they are doing kata, this book is stellar. Much of it is dedicated to the history of our art, explaining why kata developed the way it did. Once you understand a bit about why kata needs deciphering, it makes the thought far more enjoyable. The rules they provide seem very solid, and are backed up with examples throughout the book to help you understand. The edition I read even includes illustrations of many of the techniques.

There's also some bonus material in the book, not directly related to kata. Basic vulnerability illustrations, opponent mindset identification techniques, etc. These are generally brief, and don't interrupt the flow much so they feel like bonuses rather than distractions.

I've created a condensed list of some of the high level points, and am looking forward to trying to use them at the dojo.

[Hank Kiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book I've read to learn about kata and how to read / study them.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately authors tried to expand the book by adding irrelevant or slightly relevant material. a lot of repetitions and water that hides relevant and precious information.

[Kyren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I think this is an excellent book, especially for those who practice a martial art that employs kata, such as karate. Thought-provoking and insightful look into the purposes and advantages of learning, practicing, and applying kata.

My only real disappointment with this book is in the chapter that focuses on physics and physiology of Combat (chapter 5). The descriptions of the physiological and psychological processes are well-written and extensively backed up by research. However the rather-lengthy introduction to this chapter on 'characteristics of violence'-which ostensibly sets up the reader for the context of this potential violence--is vague and disproportionately focused on 'stranger-danger' violent incidents, which realistically account for a minority of violence against men, and an even smaller minority of violence against women. This introductory section doesn't even mention an instance of (or admit the possibility of) violence perpetrated by an acquaintance or other known person, which I find both uncompelling and irresponsible for chapter that aims to provide the social context for violent encounters. The rest of this Chapter is well-researched and clearly describes the physiological impact of the fight-or-flight response on combat and self-defense. Given that the intro to this chapter is such a small portion of the book overall, I chose not to lower my rating.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three books that you really should read if you practice karate. Or kung-fu or Tae Kwon Do for that matter and this is one of them.

This is one of the first books to elucidate in English the rules of Kaisai no genri which have been kept secret by asian martial arts masters for generations. The rules that you need to understand how kata were put together and the combative applications that they contain within them. Without the rules it is nigh on impossible to get close to the original combat applications which were recorded in the kata... i.e. The real karate.

The other two books are "Bunkai Jutsu" by Iain Abernethy which has a similar purpose and core information but is a bit clearer an easier to read and "Okinawan Goju-Ryu II: Advanced Techniques of Shorei-Kan Karate" by Toguchi, Seikichi which is where the rule set was first published in english in 2001.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Way of Kata, Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder provide an excellent and largely comprehensive resource for the foundational study of applications from karate kata. Although written from the perspective of two Goju Ryu practitioners, the topics they cover and the way in which they dig into their subject will be highly useful to any student of traditional karate, no matter what their style.

In addition to providing an overview of the intent and principles underlying the forms of traditional karate, they furnish an historical perspective that adds considerable context to the topic. Above all, their writing is clear and engaging, and the structured methodologies they use for both decoding movements and evaluating potential applications are valuable resources for any karateka. If you practice karate, this book should be in your library.

[Brandon Holgersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any student of kata needs to have this book in their collection. The ideas are simple, straight forward and easy to understand. If you want to use your kata to learn techniques to protect yourself then this is the book for you. Most of the ideas put forth in the book are hardly mentioned at all in martial arts classes or merely hinted at cryptically. (Unless you have a very good teacher.) It will take your thinking about karate from simple punching, blocking and kicking to thinking of karate as grappling, joint attacks, eye gouges and joint locks as well as the kicking and punching. I highly recommend it.

[Mark Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for the serious martial artist, especially if the martial arts are kata-based. I gave it 4 stars because the content itself is good. I'm a shodan in Sanchin-Ryu karate, which is very kata based, and most of the material in the book wasn't new, but solidified and deepened many things I already knew. Unfortunately, the ebook, at least, is in need of serious copyediting. Also, I found the book quite repetitious. In some ways that was good because there's a lot of depth to it so it helps to have primary principles repeated several times, but I'm sure the book would have been seriously shorter without the repetition.

[Hermann Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this book, which I first read some years ago. As a karateka myself, I am familiar with the fundamentals, principles, and rules the authors systematically explain, however, I must say that I discovered a couple of additional eye-opening aspects which apparently become accessible to the student only with increased own insight into the art. The book is one of my favorite publication on kata (together with Hanshi Bill Hayes’ “My Journey With The Grand-master”); Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane wrote an invaluable contribution for Western karateka to dive into the art and to decipher the timeless guidance given to us by ancient Okinawan karate masters.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the better books to read if you want to understand about kata, what it is, what it does, and how to interpret it.

It's written from a goju Ryu perspective, and as a shotokan practitioner myself I'm not super familiar with the sample katas. But styles are superficial, and the analytical tools we are treated to are absolutely wonderful. This is actually the first book (and so far the only I found) to spell out in plain English a list of the principles, rules and strategies of kata.
I'm certain those principles vary a bit between different styles and teachers, but this is an excellent starting point if you want to formulate your own version of them.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the martial arts I've read. Goes into detail about how to break down the kata's and decipher the moves contained within. The authors are from a Goju background, but the information contained within this book can be applied to other styles. Look forward to reading more by these guys.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning kata theory into kata practise is where the art of Karate lies. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
That is the way of kata practise. I'm still reading it. That is I only read and then I've understood. The interpretation of any art form is up to the artist. There are as many interpretations as artists. The best way to read this book is going to and from the Dojo.

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the books I think are an absolute must-read for any person studying traditional karate. If you are learning traditional kata, then this breaks down what your instructor probably doesn't know. If you're an instructor teaching traditional kata, you should probably read this book.

[Kevin Hyder]

Very simplistic. Some good insight here, but nothing you wouldn't learn within a couple months at the town McDojo.

[Chris Bordelon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from studying the kata applications in Goju Ryu, also offers practical combat applications and study into the psychological aspects of combat.

[Rolando Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Truly a realistic approach to kata applications. Thinking outside the box. All KARATE systems should evolve with the times. Excellent