12. The 'Katas'

There are something like fifty different katas or formal exercises in karate, but all are based on elements contained within the five basic 'heian' katas and three 'tekki' katas.

In the early days of karate, when sparring with partners was considered dangerous because no one had thought of focusing attacks short of contact, katas afforded the most realistic training possible. It is still an advantage that they enable one to practise alone. Another great advantage is that they force one to use, and co-ordinate, a wide variety of techniques and manoeuvres. If one practised only sparring, there would be a tendency to narrow one's repertoire down to a few favourite 'tricks'.