Black Belt – August-September 2019

you can use to encourage your stu-

dents to optimize their kata practice.

SPOT-TRAIN DIFFICULT SECTIONS:

Learning a kata is like learning to

play a piece of music. Some parts

are more challenging than others,

and the most difficult parts require

the most attention. Unfortunately,

this requirement is sometimes over-

fiflflfifl

A great kata performance must

combine precision, flow, power and

spirit, and good students spend con-

siderable time and energy honing

these qualities. Their training may

be disciplined, but it also should be

intelligent, and sometimes a little

expert guidance is necessary to keep

them moving in the right direction.

To that end, here are five strategies

A

N ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENT
might spend hours per week
practicing kata, but if the
training is unfocused, he
or she may see only moderate gains.
If the training is done with purpose,
however, problems will be corrected,
movements will be assimilated and
the student will be motivated to take
it to the next level.

5 Ways to Make

Your Students

Better at Kata

Whether you’re a strict advocate of “three years, one kata” or you teach a

new kata every other month, you want your students to get the most out of

the time they invest in their forms.

BY ERNEST CADORIN

74 BLACKBELTMAG.COM § AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019