What is Kata
By definition Kata is 'a preset sequence of moves performed against an invisible opponent' Kata combines technique, correct breathing and timing into set technique patterns, the more advance the kata the more complex these principals get.

Kata is one of the the most important tools in your martial arts training and the benefits of good kata should not be under estimated. it is also the perfect tool for training alone. it combines all of the basic and advance technique and should be practiced constantly and consistently

The Six Principals Of Kata

1. Ikita Kata. Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose.

2. Inen. Kata must be performed with spirit.

3. Chikara no Kyojaku. Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.

4. Waza no Kankyu. Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

5. Kisoku no Donto. Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale and exhale.

6. Balance. Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of Kata

Teaching Methodology...
Karate is a Japanese fighting discipline, therefore allot of the teaching methodology even in westernized country's still use a traditional (although usually less intense) Japanese teaching style. This usually consist of Japanese commands, physical discipline, respect and honor and of course physical exercise for rule breaking.

Martial arts training, due it it very nature of teaching potentially dangerous technique to novice students requires that allot of respect be demonstrated to the instructor and higher grades. This means that respect discipline and honorable behavior is taught and expected from the very first lesson

During your Karate training you will be taught through various different formats, stretching exercises which will be done at the start of every lesson can be done in lines or in pairs.

Basic techniques which will be done in lines moving up and down the dojo to command from Sensei, This will lead to counted partner work performing the technique to a count with a partner, which tends to develop into free timed technique, practicing the taught technique in your own time with your partner

Kata is done in a group by numbers and in your own time, this can be done all together or singular depending on the grade, and opinion of the Sensei.

Kumita is done in two ways partnered all together swapping partners every 2 minuets or so,. or individually paired and analyzed depending on the instructor and class and dojo size.

All Dan grades "black belts" should be addressed as 'Sensei' this is the japanese word for teacher or instructor, if the person teaching you or the class is not a Dan grade then they should be addressed as "Sempai" In the most formal situation or if multiple instructors are teaching at once the term "Sensei <Surname>" should be used.

Belt order and grading time

Red Belt - 9th Kyu - 4 months

Yellow Belt - 8th Kyu - 4 months

Orange Belt - 7th Kyu - 6 months

Green Belt - 6th Kyu - 6 months

Blue Belt - 5th Kyu - 6 months

Purple Belt - 4th Kyu - 6 months

Brown Belt - 3rd Kyu - 7 months

Brown Belt - 2nd Kyu - 7 months

Brown Belt - 1st Kyu - 8 months

Black Belt - 1st Dan - 1 year

Black Belt - 2nd Dan - 2 years

Black Belt - 3rd Dan - 3 years