Adapted from “Living the Martial Way”by Forrest Morgan
Practice Forms with Utmost Seriousness
In olden days, kata (Martial Arts Forms) were used to help warriors learn the techniques of their styles. Modern training methods will never replace proper training in kata. Although you can’t use forms in self-defense, you can practice your strikes and blocks and condition your body so you’re more ready to protect yourself when the time comes. It’s important to practice forms properly with correct stances, lots of power, and with a focus on your targets. Put all of your power into each block strike, and kick, as if you’re really under attack. This means you must concentrate hard to focus your power! You need to visualize both effectively striking your opponent and blocking his attacks. Practice kata every day with intensity, power, and focus, and you’ll be on your way to martial arts mastery!