Kata
Kata literally means "fixed form" and consists of several different techniques and movements put together. Each kata begins with a defense technique and is intended to emphasize the defensive character of the martial art. On the island of Okinawa (Japan) and when it was introduced on the Japanese mainland, karate-do mainly consisted of katas.
The other two pillars, kihon and kumite, were only added later. The kata is a fight against several imaginary opponents who attack from different directions. Kata training is preparation for a duel and for self-defense. The kata must not be changed, but the opposite applies in a fight or in an emergency situation.
Each kata has a name, which in most cases describes the character of the kata. Each style of karate-do has its own katas, some of which can be similar.
The katas are the textbooks (spiritual books) of karate-do and there are many of them. Some are very old and have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Some katas even originated in China. Later they reached Okinawa via the trade routes and then on to the Japanese mainland. Practicing katas does not only involve mastering and perfecting the techniques (defenses, attacks, turns and movements), but also training the inner attitude (breathing, composure, fighting spirit, rhythm, etc.). Only through intensive study of the kata, i.e. by practicing the various possible applications with a partner (called Bunkai), does the kata come to life.
Bunkai means the breakdown, analysis and study of the fighting system of a specific traditional kata and is therefore more than just practicing attack and defense.
Josef Meier