3 approaches in 1

Finlay wrote:

looking at the 3 approches that are genrally used for kata/forms practice, laid out by iain as motion,block kick punch, civilian self protection approach. it is possible to have all three approaches represented?

I would say not. The three methods I was referring to are the most common ways of making “practical” use of kata and explaining its nature. These were terms I used in this podcast: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/occams-hurdled-katana-podcast

It would be a good idea for people to listen to that podcast so they know what I meant by all three terms if anyone reading this is unsure.

In the podcast I make the case that only the civilian self-protection approach is practical and explains the nature of kata. It is logically the best approach; the other two are illogical and fail to explain the nature of kata.

You could not combine them as they are mutually exclusive and by their very nature incompatible.

Finlay wrote:

beginner student maybe would spend a little more time on the motion approach, learning how to move his or her body and creating power in those movements, as an aside which movement would be more beneficial with this goal?

This is not what I meant by “the motion approach”. Sure kata can help improve the mind – body link, but simply learning to “move” without making a clear link and progression to how that motion relates to conflict renders it meaningless and fundamentally flawed.

Finlay wrote:

the internediate student, maybe would work more on the blaock kick punch approch. learning how to apply basic movements, learning distancing and timing and the feeling of facing on to someone

The point made in the podcast was that “block, kick, punch” approach does not explain the nuances of kata and the distancing and timing involved are not the same distances and timings associated with actual conflict.

As I say, all three approaches are mutually exclusive and only one can be correct. I therefore see no possible way in which they can be combined; and even if they could be, it would be detrimental to do so.

All the best,

Iain

I referenced the articel in another thread, but in the recent issue of Classical Fighting Arts (#21), Sensei Pat Nakata (student of Chosen Chibana who was a student of Itosu) talks about the three levels of kata practice as taught by Itosu.

1)  Punch, kick, block method--used by beginning students as a basis for learning and buiding a foundation

2) Grappling applications--using the kata and applying a more advanced application for the movements, in which the joint locks, throws, etc. are found

3) Advanced--same motions and grappling, but their targeting was different.  The story was told about a throw using the lapel and belt.  When he was shown the higher level application (trusted students only) the throw was done by grabbing the throat and ear of the attacker.  Handles were all parts of the body and clothing was not needed/used.

Movement for movements sake or for using it as an attribute builder (balance, fluidity, speed etc.) is fine with kata AFTER you have already learned what it is for so your brain can build the appropriate connections.  I don't think a beginner who hasn't gone through Itosu's first two stages would benefit at all from just doing movements without knowing the meaning.