Post by RENSHI on Nov 18, 2006 23:56:13 GMT -5
What is Karate?
Excerpt from To-Te Jitsu by Gochin Funakoshi, researched and translated by Sensei Ken Tallack
It should be noted that the original work was written some 75 years ago
PART 1: History
If one was to open a map of Japan, towards the south he would see a group of islands floating in the ocean like a thin, long cord. These are the Ryukyu Islands, which are today known as Okinawa. In Okinawa, there exists a martial art which is wonderful and could be boasted to the world. It is not jujitsu, and it is not kentojitsu; they are similar to this art, which can distinctly separate itself, and while not arming one's self with a weapon, he can defeat his opponent and protect himself at the same time. This is the distinctive Okinawa Kenpo; what is otherwise called (To-Te) Karate.
According to tradition passed on by mouth, karate had been established in Okinawa in unknown, unclarified ways: almost 200 years ago, Boa Sakugawa of Shuriagada, trained "karate" at Shina, returned, and spread "karate Sakugawa" throughout Okinawa; or else 140 years ago, Tobe of Tosa wrote quoting Shiounja of Shun, "A man from Shina named Kushankun arrived with several of his disciples and taught one sort of martial art to the people;" or according to another tale, in the 1400's that Okinawa was undergoing tremendous changes of trade and internal transformation and reform, thusly, as a part of the mentality of a proud, structured nation, in the 14th year of Keicho, all kinds of weapons were prohibited and taken away by the authorities at Satsuma, and therefore, the era demanded some sort of combative skills without weapons be created. All the above tales have some truth and sense in them, however, none are concrete with evidence, and so remain as guesses rather than as facts.
I personally believe that Ryukyu Kenpo, in words "karate," is something of Okinawa's descent, after long periods of training, practice, and revisions was changed accordingly to develop into what is now known as and called "karate."
If one went to rural Okinawa, during celebrations and festivities, he can see a man dance to the shumisen.
This dance is different from a normal festivities and very much resembles movements in "karate."
This is the foundation of what is currently known as "karate" and thus leads to the belief that it derived itself from Okinawa, and also explains possibly why some child of age 3 or 4, without any formal training suddenly begin to fight, like in kumite. This can be translated as both Okinawa people having some instinctive ability to fight, or an ability gained through generations and generations of practices as the above dance; either way, this can be something that occurred in a short period of time.
It is confirmed through written documents collections that Sakiyama, Gushi, and Nagahama of Naha trained under Bukan (Shorei-ryu); Matsumura of Shuri and Maesato of Kume trained under Tomoyori (Shaolin-ryu); Shimabukuro of Uemondono, Hikashi of Kyunenboya, Senaha, Kuwae and others trained under Kojo (Shorei-ryu); and that Shiroma of Tomari, Kaneshiro, Matsumura, Yamasato and others trained under Taika, who originated from Fukushu-an-nan. (province in China). However, Oyakata-Tomigusu of Shuri followed Sakiyama; Asato followed after Matsumura; and Itosu followed after Gusukuma, according to what has told through past generations.
In the past this art had been kept secret, around the 34th or 35th year of the Meiji Restoration, elementary school children, and newly trained privates (soldiers) in the military surprised local physicians and military examiners with their admirable physiques, developed from training karate; and soon karate became an essential supplement in physical education in local schools and other such establishments, allowing karate to openly appear and present itself to the world outside Okinawa. And now, it is not only a method of improving one's physical self, it is also nourishing to the mind, as a method of self-defense, and has been acknowledged worldwide for its benefits and favourable effects.
PART 2: Styles of Karate
According to those who teach it, karate is separated into many styles. But essentially, it is separated into two styles, Shorei-ryu and Shaolin-ryu. Shorei-ryu is suitable for those individuals who are "thickboned," or generally larger than others, whereas Shaolin-ryu is more suitable for those individuals who are lithe, or slim in build and do not possess large amounts of physical strength. In terms of fundamental fighting stance, Shorei-ryu excels, however, it is not appropriate for quickness; on a similar note, Shaolin-ryu allows one to move quickly but compensates for that quickness by not emphasizing physical strength. Therefore, those who train for karate must keep in mind the advantages as well as disadvantages of the above two styles.
PART 3: Groupings
There are many groupings (kinds) in karate. However, similarities are usually removed, and monotonous qualities are ignored, thus, in actual fact there are not too many groupings currently. In the past the philosophy of study was "narrow and deep" whereas nowadays it is "shallow and wide." Today's most common training methods Binan being taught in five parts, Naihanchi in three parts, Patsai separated into large and small and taught in parts, Koshonkun also separated into large and small taught in two parts. All others are taught in one part include Goju Shi Ho, Seishan, Chinto, Chinte, Jiin, Jitte, Jion, Wanshu, Wandan, Rohai, Jiyunmu, Wandoo, Sochin, Niseishi, Sansei Ryu, Supraunpei, Wankwan Cokan, Unsu and Sanshin, although there are instances where the kata of the hand is in two parts.
PART 4: Kaikyu ("levels") / ("ranks")
Unlike judo and kendo, matches were impossible until presently; thus, no levels were placed upon, and in karate. Simply stated, karate is of an aggressive form style; thus, if contact is made at certain points on an opponent's body, it may prove to be fatal. Although, on a similar point, kendo demands the contestant's concentration to an utmost degree; whether wooden or bamboo sword is used, or an authentic sword is used in a contest. Later on, kendo, as a martial art, declined due to introduction of masks and protective gloves in contests; it became closer to an exercise rather than true, martial art. lf one was to perform the same for karate as kendo, by introducing protective gear and prohibition striking fatal points on the body, then similarly to judo and kendo one can place levels of skill onto this art. Also, l believe that karate must progress to the same levels as kendo and judo by assessing skill levels of those who train and practice it. For the most part, one can perform kata, observe movements, and explain the meaning(s) of these movements to assess the skill level of the performer in karate at present. However, that assessment can fluctuate according to the teacher / instructor, and possibly the number of years the performer has trained in karate.
SECTION 2- Karate's Worth PART 1: The Value in Physical Aspects
It is a physiologically obvious and observable fact that the art of karate moves all 5 parts of the human body in a complex manner, in all possible directions, and in terms of value to one's physical aspect of his body, so emphasis must be placed on this characteristic of karate. In addition, the nature of karate is such that one must not only exert his power outwards, but collect his power inwards as well thus, in terms of developing one's self, it excels certain other forms of martial arts on the strength of these merits. In support of this fact if one was to seriously train himself for about a year, his physique would develop considerably; also, beginners who have just begun their karate training, I believe, must feel in themselves that they are indeed quite different from average individuals. About ten years ago, while Shintaro Ogawa was observing this art in Okinawa, he did some research into the certain advantageously developed individuals of elementary and middle school, and noticed that these developments of physique in these individuals resulted from their practice of karate; and furthermore recommended to the education authorities of that time to include karate into the students' curriculum as a mandatory subject, and to this day, karate has continued to prove itself as an excellent medium for students and others alike to display wonderful results in physical development.
in terms of training methods:
(1) Elaborate facilities and equipment are not required.
(2) Training can occur individually or collectively in group.
(3) It is flexible to modification.
(4) It does not accompany danger.
The above characteristics must be declared as distinct qualities of karate. In addition, age is of no concern to this art, and one may find pleasure in training seriously for karate; as well, it will contribute to longer and healthier livelihoods of those who practice and train karate. My teachers Shishu, now past, and Asato as well provide support for my claim above. Shishu suffered from abdominal pains since birth, and Asato was a slimly built man before practice of karate, but with the intent of encouraging their physical endowments, these two friends began training for karate.
Not only in a matter of a few years did these develop physiques to admirable and magnificent degrees, but they were to become known as excelling in their practice of karate in the modern era. Master Shishu taught karate in a middle School as well as a school exclusively for karate; and Master Asato educated students in his own home, while, aged 85 and 80 years old respectively. Master Asato's teacher, Master Matsumura, lived a prosperous life until age 93.
Currently in Ryukyu, karate masters Yamaguchi is 86 years old, Master Chinen is 86 years Master Chihana is 80 years old, Master Sakihara is 80 years old and Master Kiyuna is 75 years old and at elderly ages these masters of karate can not be physically overcome easily. According to life expectancy males may live just as long as females do. Thus, those who train karate must live their extended lives due to karate and its training, I believe.
PART 2: The Value in Aspects of Self Defense Technique
There are those individuals who state, without knowledge of karate, that karate is an uncivilized, almost a barbaric form of martial art, and that there is no place for such things in the world today. I believe that nowhere else on the face of the earth does such a complex, yet usable; sophisticated1 yet "aggressive-when-need-be" form of protecting one's self as well as disposing of opponents exist. Especially nowadays when one can not just carry around a weapon in his hand to protect himself from enemies, opponents, and other undesirables. One can not tell when an aggressor may pose his threat thus he must be prepared to react in any situation, at any given time. Especially as a self defense for women, in addition to the benefits with regards to their health, I strongly believe there is no better than karate.
PART 3: The Value in Mental Aspects
No martial art exists where mental concentration and development is not essential to its training. This is not exclusive to karate but characteristics such as: no elaborate facilities being necessary to train; inexpensive (or no funds necessary to train); opponents not necessarily being present to train; age of the trainee not being important; and its flexibility to modify, allowing the individual training in karate to emphasize and build upon beneficial habits, and not worrying about or developing those habits which are detrimental. As it had been since the past the individual who trains in karate will see that he can achieve perfection with less and less things to be concerned with while' trains.
PART 4: The Honour of Karate
Not only has karate been praised by Hojo-jijo performed as a martial art in front of the Crown Prince of Japan, but it was blessed by the Togu-denka in performance (and demonstration) in and on the grounds of his castle.
Since then, karate, or the "distinctively-Okinawa martial art" has been praised all over the world especially in Japan, where karate is practiced at Kodokan and the Toyama Military School, which are both considered to be the top two establishments of training in Japanese martial arts.
SECTION 3- How to Train and Teach Karate PART 1: Training in Karate
Ideally, to internalize karate into one's sell, one should begin at about age 13, and continue until the moment that he no longer lives. However, as long as desire and the will to train exist, there is no limitation to when exactly training should begin. As a matter of fact, there is something remarkable to be noticed when an adult, with ability and intellect accomplishes his training for karate. Thus, nowadays with the benefits of karate training well known to people, there are ever-increasing numbers of individuals who wish to train and this is commendable; however, if improperly or hastily trained, that individual is doing less benefit doing nothing. It is then required that both trainees and instructors alike must first internalize the fundamentals of karate and be prepared for any difficulties and hardships, which are definitely going to be encountered. I believe, that this book is second to none in assisting the beginning trainee of karate to achieve his goal.
PART 2: Individual Training
In the past when karate was called a weapon rather than being referred to as art those who taught karate as well as those who learned it were very protective of karate and karate training; but now, this is no longer the case. Individual instruction is much easier. Compared to group instruction and with additional trainees, there is a higher likelihood of injury and so on. Since the instructor may personally assist a trainee on a "one-to-one" basis from beginning to end, it can be said that the trainee's development and understanding will be relatively quicker in individual instruction.
In the past all karate instruction was done individually, however nowadays, time does not allow this.
PART 3: Group Training
In some other doctrines, an increase in trainees follows with complications in instruction; however, with karate, it seems that the more individuals who wish to train increases, a growing interest in karate occurs for both the instructor and the trainee. An inclination sometimes occurs among instructors to teach in groups rather than individually, to only one student. It can actually be observed that a child, a student or an adult, in the sweltering heat of Summer or in the shivering cold of Winter will happily train karate without any hesitation or complaints.
PART 4: Amount of Time for Training
Looking at my own experience, 30 minutes each training session seems appropriate, although, if possible for the trainee, he may wish to take an hour or 2 hours, or as long as he wishes. Essentially, one goes through a repetition of exercises / movements which can be completed in about two minutes. Benefit lies in whenever and wherever the trainee may find even the smallest amount of time to practice; whether that time is before breakfast, dinner, or even a break during work. If training is to be done on a daily basis, 3 days per week seems to be about right; for example,on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For those who may require more training, then those other days of the week should be used for review of what was learned. For example, if instruction occurred for 3 hours every week, then the kata that must be practiced should be divided upon the week. In the first hour, the first half of a kata should taught and trained; in the second hour, the other half and in the third hour, the kata should all be combined and practiced. With this method, a kata will be memorized, and the fourth hour, if possible, can be utilized for additional training, any corrections and criticism, as well as explanation. Of course, there are exceptions in karate as in anything else, but for the general part this method should be quite sufficient, I think.
PART 5: Repetition
Although karate can be easily memorized, it is easily forgotten as well; thus, once a kata is memorized, it must be repeated again and again. Like water, heat must be added to the boiling pot of water least it return to its cold water state. Thus, training must occur in the morning as well as evening; in the morning one should rise from sleep one hour before his family, and in the evening, rather than after work, training should occur after dinner. People have a habit of preferring the new and ignoring or forgetting the old, but I emphasize that both the new and old must be repeated over and over in karate.
Excerpt from To-Te Jitsu by Gochin Funakoshi, researched and translated by Sensei Ken Tallack
It should be noted that the original work was written some 75 years ago
PART 1: History
If one was to open a map of Japan, towards the south he would see a group of islands floating in the ocean like a thin, long cord. These are the Ryukyu Islands, which are today known as Okinawa. In Okinawa, there exists a martial art which is wonderful and could be boasted to the world. It is not jujitsu, and it is not kentojitsu; they are similar to this art, which can distinctly separate itself, and while not arming one's self with a weapon, he can defeat his opponent and protect himself at the same time. This is the distinctive Okinawa Kenpo; what is otherwise called (To-Te) Karate.
According to tradition passed on by mouth, karate had been established in Okinawa in unknown, unclarified ways: almost 200 years ago, Boa Sakugawa of Shuriagada, trained "karate" at Shina, returned, and spread "karate Sakugawa" throughout Okinawa; or else 140 years ago, Tobe of Tosa wrote quoting Shiounja of Shun, "A man from Shina named Kushankun arrived with several of his disciples and taught one sort of martial art to the people;" or according to another tale, in the 1400's that Okinawa was undergoing tremendous changes of trade and internal transformation and reform, thusly, as a part of the mentality of a proud, structured nation, in the 14th year of Keicho, all kinds of weapons were prohibited and taken away by the authorities at Satsuma, and therefore, the era demanded some sort of combative skills without weapons be created. All the above tales have some truth and sense in them, however, none are concrete with evidence, and so remain as guesses rather than as facts.
I personally believe that Ryukyu Kenpo, in words "karate," is something of Okinawa's descent, after long periods of training, practice, and revisions was changed accordingly to develop into what is now known as and called "karate."
If one went to rural Okinawa, during celebrations and festivities, he can see a man dance to the shumisen.
This dance is different from a normal festivities and very much resembles movements in "karate."
This is the foundation of what is currently known as "karate" and thus leads to the belief that it derived itself from Okinawa, and also explains possibly why some child of age 3 or 4, without any formal training suddenly begin to fight, like in kumite. This can be translated as both Okinawa people having some instinctive ability to fight, or an ability gained through generations and generations of practices as the above dance; either way, this can be something that occurred in a short period of time.
It is confirmed through written documents collections that Sakiyama, Gushi, and Nagahama of Naha trained under Bukan (Shorei-ryu); Matsumura of Shuri and Maesato of Kume trained under Tomoyori (Shaolin-ryu); Shimabukuro of Uemondono, Hikashi of Kyunenboya, Senaha, Kuwae and others trained under Kojo (Shorei-ryu); and that Shiroma of Tomari, Kaneshiro, Matsumura, Yamasato and others trained under Taika, who originated from Fukushu-an-nan. (province in China). However, Oyakata-Tomigusu of Shuri followed Sakiyama; Asato followed after Matsumura; and Itosu followed after Gusukuma, according to what has told through past generations.
In the past this art had been kept secret, around the 34th or 35th year of the Meiji Restoration, elementary school children, and newly trained privates (soldiers) in the military surprised local physicians and military examiners with their admirable physiques, developed from training karate; and soon karate became an essential supplement in physical education in local schools and other such establishments, allowing karate to openly appear and present itself to the world outside Okinawa. And now, it is not only a method of improving one's physical self, it is also nourishing to the mind, as a method of self-defense, and has been acknowledged worldwide for its benefits and favourable effects.
PART 2: Styles of Karate
According to those who teach it, karate is separated into many styles. But essentially, it is separated into two styles, Shorei-ryu and Shaolin-ryu. Shorei-ryu is suitable for those individuals who are "thickboned," or generally larger than others, whereas Shaolin-ryu is more suitable for those individuals who are lithe, or slim in build and do not possess large amounts of physical strength. In terms of fundamental fighting stance, Shorei-ryu excels, however, it is not appropriate for quickness; on a similar note, Shaolin-ryu allows one to move quickly but compensates for that quickness by not emphasizing physical strength. Therefore, those who train for karate must keep in mind the advantages as well as disadvantages of the above two styles.
PART 3: Groupings
There are many groupings (kinds) in karate. However, similarities are usually removed, and monotonous qualities are ignored, thus, in actual fact there are not too many groupings currently. In the past the philosophy of study was "narrow and deep" whereas nowadays it is "shallow and wide." Today's most common training methods Binan being taught in five parts, Naihanchi in three parts, Patsai separated into large and small and taught in parts, Koshonkun also separated into large and small taught in two parts. All others are taught in one part include Goju Shi Ho, Seishan, Chinto, Chinte, Jiin, Jitte, Jion, Wanshu, Wandan, Rohai, Jiyunmu, Wandoo, Sochin, Niseishi, Sansei Ryu, Supraunpei, Wankwan Cokan, Unsu and Sanshin, although there are instances where the kata of the hand is in two parts.
PART 4: Kaikyu ("levels") / ("ranks")
Unlike judo and kendo, matches were impossible until presently; thus, no levels were placed upon, and in karate. Simply stated, karate is of an aggressive form style; thus, if contact is made at certain points on an opponent's body, it may prove to be fatal. Although, on a similar point, kendo demands the contestant's concentration to an utmost degree; whether wooden or bamboo sword is used, or an authentic sword is used in a contest. Later on, kendo, as a martial art, declined due to introduction of masks and protective gloves in contests; it became closer to an exercise rather than true, martial art. lf one was to perform the same for karate as kendo, by introducing protective gear and prohibition striking fatal points on the body, then similarly to judo and kendo one can place levels of skill onto this art. Also, l believe that karate must progress to the same levels as kendo and judo by assessing skill levels of those who train and practice it. For the most part, one can perform kata, observe movements, and explain the meaning(s) of these movements to assess the skill level of the performer in karate at present. However, that assessment can fluctuate according to the teacher / instructor, and possibly the number of years the performer has trained in karate.
SECTION 2- Karate's Worth PART 1: The Value in Physical Aspects
It is a physiologically obvious and observable fact that the art of karate moves all 5 parts of the human body in a complex manner, in all possible directions, and in terms of value to one's physical aspect of his body, so emphasis must be placed on this characteristic of karate. In addition, the nature of karate is such that one must not only exert his power outwards, but collect his power inwards as well thus, in terms of developing one's self, it excels certain other forms of martial arts on the strength of these merits. In support of this fact if one was to seriously train himself for about a year, his physique would develop considerably; also, beginners who have just begun their karate training, I believe, must feel in themselves that they are indeed quite different from average individuals. About ten years ago, while Shintaro Ogawa was observing this art in Okinawa, he did some research into the certain advantageously developed individuals of elementary and middle school, and noticed that these developments of physique in these individuals resulted from their practice of karate; and furthermore recommended to the education authorities of that time to include karate into the students' curriculum as a mandatory subject, and to this day, karate has continued to prove itself as an excellent medium for students and others alike to display wonderful results in physical development.
in terms of training methods:
(1) Elaborate facilities and equipment are not required.
(2) Training can occur individually or collectively in group.
(3) It is flexible to modification.
(4) It does not accompany danger.
The above characteristics must be declared as distinct qualities of karate. In addition, age is of no concern to this art, and one may find pleasure in training seriously for karate; as well, it will contribute to longer and healthier livelihoods of those who practice and train karate. My teachers Shishu, now past, and Asato as well provide support for my claim above. Shishu suffered from abdominal pains since birth, and Asato was a slimly built man before practice of karate, but with the intent of encouraging their physical endowments, these two friends began training for karate.
Not only in a matter of a few years did these develop physiques to admirable and magnificent degrees, but they were to become known as excelling in their practice of karate in the modern era. Master Shishu taught karate in a middle School as well as a school exclusively for karate; and Master Asato educated students in his own home, while, aged 85 and 80 years old respectively. Master Asato's teacher, Master Matsumura, lived a prosperous life until age 93.
Currently in Ryukyu, karate masters Yamaguchi is 86 years old, Master Chinen is 86 years Master Chihana is 80 years old, Master Sakihara is 80 years old and Master Kiyuna is 75 years old and at elderly ages these masters of karate can not be physically overcome easily. According to life expectancy males may live just as long as females do. Thus, those who train karate must live their extended lives due to karate and its training, I believe.
PART 2: The Value in Aspects of Self Defense Technique
There are those individuals who state, without knowledge of karate, that karate is an uncivilized, almost a barbaric form of martial art, and that there is no place for such things in the world today. I believe that nowhere else on the face of the earth does such a complex, yet usable; sophisticated1 yet "aggressive-when-need-be" form of protecting one's self as well as disposing of opponents exist. Especially nowadays when one can not just carry around a weapon in his hand to protect himself from enemies, opponents, and other undesirables. One can not tell when an aggressor may pose his threat thus he must be prepared to react in any situation, at any given time. Especially as a self defense for women, in addition to the benefits with regards to their health, I strongly believe there is no better than karate.
PART 3: The Value in Mental Aspects
No martial art exists where mental concentration and development is not essential to its training. This is not exclusive to karate but characteristics such as: no elaborate facilities being necessary to train; inexpensive (or no funds necessary to train); opponents not necessarily being present to train; age of the trainee not being important; and its flexibility to modify, allowing the individual training in karate to emphasize and build upon beneficial habits, and not worrying about or developing those habits which are detrimental. As it had been since the past the individual who trains in karate will see that he can achieve perfection with less and less things to be concerned with while' trains.
PART 4: The Honour of Karate
Not only has karate been praised by Hojo-jijo performed as a martial art in front of the Crown Prince of Japan, but it was blessed by the Togu-denka in performance (and demonstration) in and on the grounds of his castle.
Since then, karate, or the "distinctively-Okinawa martial art" has been praised all over the world especially in Japan, where karate is practiced at Kodokan and the Toyama Military School, which are both considered to be the top two establishments of training in Japanese martial arts.
SECTION 3- How to Train and Teach Karate PART 1: Training in Karate
Ideally, to internalize karate into one's sell, one should begin at about age 13, and continue until the moment that he no longer lives. However, as long as desire and the will to train exist, there is no limitation to when exactly training should begin. As a matter of fact, there is something remarkable to be noticed when an adult, with ability and intellect accomplishes his training for karate. Thus, nowadays with the benefits of karate training well known to people, there are ever-increasing numbers of individuals who wish to train and this is commendable; however, if improperly or hastily trained, that individual is doing less benefit doing nothing. It is then required that both trainees and instructors alike must first internalize the fundamentals of karate and be prepared for any difficulties and hardships, which are definitely going to be encountered. I believe, that this book is second to none in assisting the beginning trainee of karate to achieve his goal.
PART 2: Individual Training
In the past when karate was called a weapon rather than being referred to as art those who taught karate as well as those who learned it were very protective of karate and karate training; but now, this is no longer the case. Individual instruction is much easier. Compared to group instruction and with additional trainees, there is a higher likelihood of injury and so on. Since the instructor may personally assist a trainee on a "one-to-one" basis from beginning to end, it can be said that the trainee's development and understanding will be relatively quicker in individual instruction.
In the past all karate instruction was done individually, however nowadays, time does not allow this.
PART 3: Group Training
In some other doctrines, an increase in trainees follows with complications in instruction; however, with karate, it seems that the more individuals who wish to train increases, a growing interest in karate occurs for both the instructor and the trainee. An inclination sometimes occurs among instructors to teach in groups rather than individually, to only one student. It can actually be observed that a child, a student or an adult, in the sweltering heat of Summer or in the shivering cold of Winter will happily train karate without any hesitation or complaints.
PART 4: Amount of Time for Training
Looking at my own experience, 30 minutes each training session seems appropriate, although, if possible for the trainee, he may wish to take an hour or 2 hours, or as long as he wishes. Essentially, one goes through a repetition of exercises / movements which can be completed in about two minutes. Benefit lies in whenever and wherever the trainee may find even the smallest amount of time to practice; whether that time is before breakfast, dinner, or even a break during work. If training is to be done on a daily basis, 3 days per week seems to be about right; for example,on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For those who may require more training, then those other days of the week should be used for review of what was learned. For example, if instruction occurred for 3 hours every week, then the kata that must be practiced should be divided upon the week. In the first hour, the first half of a kata should taught and trained; in the second hour, the other half and in the third hour, the kata should all be combined and practiced. With this method, a kata will be memorized, and the fourth hour, if possible, can be utilized for additional training, any corrections and criticism, as well as explanation. Of course, there are exceptions in karate as in anything else, but for the general part this method should be quite sufficient, I think.
PART 5: Repetition
Although karate can be easily memorized, it is easily forgotten as well; thus, once a kata is memorized, it must be repeated again and again. Like water, heat must be added to the boiling pot of water least it return to its cold water state. Thus, training must occur in the morning as well as evening; in the morning one should rise from sleep one hour before his family, and in the evening, rather than after work, training should occur after dinner. People have a habit of preferring the new and ignoring or forgetting the old, but I emphasize that both the new and old must be repeated over and over in karate.