A Nice Visit

One of the many benefits of doing a kata every day is visiting with every kata at least once a month. "Visiting" is the key word here. "Focusing" might have applied just as well but "visiting" to me connotes an enjoyable time spent somewhere you like to be.

When all you have on the agenda is just one form, then you can get to know every nook and cranny of it. And in the process, deficiencies in technique can be noted and corrected or questions about efficacy and function can be answered.

Now, I realize that we frequently do every form in the course of one or more classes even in just one week. But, while the perfunctory performing of forms may have its place in laying down a path in the brain and muscle memory in the body, not to mention the aerobic benefits, it is not the same as a thoughtful examination of a single form done in a private space.

For me, some of the katas are more like an annoying uncle coming to visit rather than a close friend. That's fine. Visit with them too and you may be surprised at the treasures they hold.

We just don't want ANY of the katas to become long lost relatives or friends. Stay in touch!

For those of you who do not yet have 30 katas in your repertoire it may be useful to incorporate the yahk soak deta (promise sparing) sets, broken up as necessary, to fill in the days.

And no one says that the kata of the day can only be visited once that day. Or that the whole kata must be done during the visit. I generally try to stretch at least twice a day and I do the forms after my stretching. See what works for you.

SUN!

TcB