5 Things You Need to Know About Karate Empty Handed Forms

1. The Movement of Karate Empty Handed Forms

Karate means "empty hand" in a general sense of the translation of the word. A karate form, also known as kata, is essentially a series of moves comprised of basic karate techniques such as punches, blocks, strikes and kicks. Forms require more thinking from the practitioner as you memorize the moves, like learning a dance. The karate empty handed forms are combinations of offensive and defensive moves. More than one system of karate forms exist, and the forms you'll learn will depend on what style of karate your school studies, as well as your instructor's preference.

2. Kata: Heart and Soul

Kata is the art of karate. Often referred to as moving meditation, kata challenges you to focus and execute the basic karate moves you've learned in class against an imaginary opponent. The execution must be succinct. If the kata calls for a high punch, throwing one to the mid-section won't do. You also must remember which way to turn. Kata takes you way beyond walking and chewing bubble gum at the same time. Your confidence and self-esteem will climb each time you execute your forms correctly. The cohesiveness of the forms takes the practitioner to a higher level of understanding karate, as well as understanding her own strengths and weaknesses.

3. Strength and Cardio

Karate kata is an excellent way to exercise. As you advance in rank, the karate techniques in the forms become more difficult. The kata range from as little as 5 moves to as many as 100 or more, depending on the style of forms you practice. Because all moves in karate involve the hips to generate power, you engage your cores muscles regularly. By practicing kata repeatedly, you strengthen your arms as you punch and your legs as you kick. You also get a cardio workout rivaled by few activities.

4. Posture and Grace

Unlike a bull in a China closet, practitioners learn grace at the same time they learn power in karate kata. This comes from demanding your body to execute moves such as a kick in one direction then turning to face the opposite direction without putting your foot down. All of these moves require poise, less you trip over your own feet. The karate kata are also a good tool for correcting posture. Your instructor will watch for this and correct you when you don't have your head, shoulders and/or back aligned. Most schools also have mirrors so you can check yourself.

5. Judging and Testing Tips

Any test for rank or judging in a competition is subjective, to be sure. Practice your kata enough that you are confident you know the moves. Execute each of the moves with power and grace. If you make an error, continue the form. And don't forget to breathe out with the delivery of each move.