Taijutsu kata techniques utilize the entire body to bewilder and subdue an opponent. The techniques use kicks, throws, hand strikes, evasions, grappling and break falls rather than traditional block-strike combinations to quickly dispatch a foe. Many kata techniques emphasize fluid movement over static stances.
Kamae No Kata
The kamae no kata is a fundamental kata technique that emphasizes fluidity through a range of stances. According to Bujinkan Ikkan Dojo in Dinnington, South Yorksire, England, "once the kamae no kata have been learned and one can flow through them and interchange the motions, and the kamae, one is able to go on to further elements [of taijutusu]." The kamae takes the practitioner from a standing position, through a series of fighting stances, into sitting positions, before returning to a standing position.
Sanshin No Kata
Sanshin no kata translates to "form of the three hearts." It is a series of movements that teach the practitioner the basic footwork, strikes and blocks of taijutsu. According to Jonathan Haas, a ninth-degree black belt in budo taijutsu, "Today, one the best ways to practice these kata is still in front of a full-length mirror." This will allow practitioners to "notice all the little 'hitches' and inconsistencies" in their movements. It is recommended to practice slowly, with fluidity, much in the same manner as tai chi.
Chin No Kata
The chin no kata is the fundamental striking technique with which taijutsu practitioners begin. It resembles the motion of an underhanded throw. According to grandmaster Richard Van Donk, the technique "is like bowling with a bowling ball." It utilizes a three-finger strike to an opponent's groin, neck or torso. Like the sanshin no kata, it should be practiced at a slow, fluid pace.
Godai No Kata
Godai no kata translates to "pattern of five elements" technique. According to sensei Daniel Pineda of the Falcon Martial Arts Academy, "the past masters of ninjitsu developed the godai no kata ... to teach balance, coordination, strength, agility and mental focus." Each movement corresponds to one of the five Japanese elements. Chi, or earth, corresponds to balance; sui, or water, relates to coordination; ka, or fire, corresponds to strength; fu, or wind, to agility; and ku, or void, to metal focus. The form itself incorporates the movements of sanshin no kata and chin no kata to build a complex series of movements, strikes and blocks.
References
- Bujinkan Ikkan Dojo; Kamae No Kata; June 2011
- Warrior Fitness; Your Sanshin No Kata Under a Microscope; Jonathan Haas; September 2010
- Falcon Martial Arts Academy; Way of the Five Elements; Daniel Pineda; May 2011
- Traditional-Dojo; What Is Ninjitsu; 1997
- YouTube; San Shin No Kata; Richard Van Donk; November 2008
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