In karate, katas are forms, set patterns of techniques devised by the traditional masters. Different karate styles have different kata syllabus. In karate budokan international, 11 katas upto Black Belt I Degree (Shodan) are there, informed Dr Prashant Nagrale, Assistant professor, Physical Education and Sports, VNIT, during the online karate seminar which is being conducted by Karate Budokan International (Vidarbha Region) and hosted by Kyoshi Harish B Choube. During his lecture, Dr Nagrale talked about mental toughness in which he included various techniques like relaxation, imagination, auto suggestion, visualise, introspection. He also shared various methods to improve sports injuries, neck and back pains, warm-ups, cool down, full body stretching.

 

The second speaker for the event was Shihan Sanjay Athavale, who is a past winner in 1982 Open Malaysian Karate Championships, Katas Runners-Up 1985, All India KBI Open Championships; gold medal winner in Kumite A category and Runner-Up senior black belt kata and various other Championships. He gave information about Budokan karate basics. “KBI founder Grandmaster Chew Soot has adopted the techniques of traditional karate katas using budokan way of blocks, kicks etc. Katas include set patterns of movements useful for their application and practice. Katas are an integral part of belt grading syllabus generally upto Black Belt- V Degree (Godan),” informed Athavale. “The katas must be performed not only in the set order but with correct stance, correct movements including maintaining set body height and position, sufficient speed, power, grace and finesse,” he added.

 

He explained all actions in the katas including its applications with reference to stances, blocks, punches, kicks, holds, self-defence etc. “The Budokan Black Belt I Degree (Shodan) kata syllabus includes Taikokyu Shodan, Taikokyu Sandan, Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yondan, Heian Godan, Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Basai Dai. The seminar covers the performance of these katas especially the meaning of the specific actions. Repeated kata performances aid in practice of the karate actions,” said Athavale. Kyoshi Choube informed the participants that the online webinar will continue for 15 days where knowledge about the game will be shared by guest speakers. Renshi Pramod Jambhulkar, Zonal Chief Instructor, KBI, proposed a vote of thanks.