Here at Gage Martial Arts we proudly study traditional Okinawan Goju Karate. Students are taught one traditional Goju kata along with one foreign kata at each level. I plan to slowly develop resources for my students and anyone who wants to learn Goju online. I figured that a great first step would be to post some videos of the traditional kata here.

Kata is the foundation of karate. Although it is very unlikely to ever use the exact sequence of moves in a kata during a self-defense scenario, kata teaches us many techniques that can be applied in a multitude of ways for self-defense. Some of these moves are obvious, while others require a clear understanding of the ways in which these movements can be applied. For the latter, I recommend going to a real dojo, like mine, where you can study these moves with an experienced Goju Karate practitioner. The point of kata is to practice various ways of moving from technique to technique and from direction to direction, while at the same time strengthening the body and the mind. In kata we practice imprinting muscle memory for these various moves with the hope of making them automatic when required. The other great benefit is that they are designed to be done by yourself. Unlike many other martial arts that require a partner, Karate’s use of kata allows us to practice our martial arts without relying on someone else, and without the fear of hurting someone else when we practice these moves at full strength.

Of course we need to regularly think about and practice applying these moves with a partner (again, this is why you should take lessons), but the ability to practice them without a partner allows us to work on them anywhere and anytime we choose. For example, you could work on them right now. If you forget them, or are having trouble with a specific part of a kata, why not try one of the videos below of Chinen Sensei going through all the Goju katas in someone’s backyard. The quality isn’t awesome, but it was taped in 1986 so you are going to have to deal with it. It is viewable and a good resource when practicing kata at home.

Here is the first set:

The second:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNvA_t3Mw7I

And the last:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk6iAthE2N4

If you check out this guy’s channel on youtube you will find a lot of other great resources to.

See you at the dojo!

Sensei Gage