ONE FORM FOR HOW LONG?

 By Phillip Starr

Years ago, I happened upon a book authored by an English karateka named Bill Burgar. A practitioner of Shotokan karate, he decided to practice one form daily for FIVE YEARS. Daily. Every day. Several times each day (like ten repetitions). He kept up his usual practice of the other forms, but he didn't practice them all every day; after all, Shotokan utilizes 21 forms, I believe. But his one chosen kata was practiced every day.

He had read that the old Okinawan masters would typically specialize in only one or two forms. That's not to say that they didn't know several others, but each instructor favored and subsequently specialized in just one or two, which they'd practice every day. He thought he'd give it a whirl.

This is in line with the Chinese gong-fu masters of old; they would specialize in just one or two forms, which they'd study assiduously every day.

At first his practice was rather enjoyable but after a time, it became very boring. To really focus on what he was doing (instead of just “walking through” the movements was more than a little difficult at times. As an escape from the boredom he'd sometimes alter the tempo of the kata, doing it very slowly one time and then full-tilt boogie the next. He'd begin by facing a corner of the room instead of a flat wall (it's tougher than you might think; try it!). He'd practice with his eyes shut or in a darkened room.

It was a struggle but he stuck with his plan and he gradually began to discover facets of his kata that he'd never seen or even suspected previously. He came to understand that each form is a complete fighting system/method in its own right. He discovered subtle rhythms and timings that he'd never noticed before and it brought him to a much clearer understanding of the importance of kata practice.

To engage in this kind of training and not succumb to the daily tedium requires a strong spirit and a sharp mind. Are you up for it?