Why Are Some Kata Techniques Performed Slowly?

Why are some kata techniques performed slowly? This question came up during one of our dojo sessions, and my friend and I had a lengthy discussion afterward. Below are some of the possible reasons we came up with. These are just our thoughts and theories, and we could be completely off the mark. If you have any additional insights or more plausible reasons, we’d love to hear from you.

1- Karate Masters Made Changes to Suit Individual Students

The mantra today in many dojos is that kata should never be changed and we certainly see some merit in this. However, in the old days, karate masters freely altered kata as they saw fit. They modified kata to suit their students (e.g. body types, strengths, age, etc.) and as a result, the same kata could be taught to different students differently and as lineages expand with time, we end up with having few different versions of the same kata. For example, in the Shisochin kata, the fifth sequences of techniques (jodan shotei tsuki and gedan shotei barai) are performed slowly in some Goju Ryu schools but performed with full speed and power in others.

Our theory is that, due to injury (which might prevent a student from performing a technique with speed and power), personality (a student’s tendency to rush through a particular technique) or specific weaknesses (e.g. lack of control or poor focus and co-ordination), karate masters may have considered it better for some students to perform certain techniques slowly. This adjustment was then passed down to future generations of karate students as the standard form.

2 – Dangerous Techniques Are Done Slowly to Avoid Injury

We think another possible reason why some kata techniques are performed slowly is to minimize the risk of injury. Certain kata techniques can be powerful and potentially dangerous (e.g., eye gouging, neck breaking, testicle ripping, or joint manipulation), and executing them too quickly can lead to improper form or even injury, especially when practicing bunkai with a partner.

For instance, consider the final sequence of the Saifa kata (tora guchi, or “tiger mouth block”). This sequence could be interpreted as:

Receiving a chudan attack followed by a push to unbalance the opponent.
Receiving a chudan attack followed by a simultaneous attack targeting the face and groin areas.

The latter application is particularly dangerous and requires extreme caution during partner drills.

By performing these dangerous techniques slowly, practitioners can focus on proper alignment, body mechanics, and control, ensuring they execute each movement with precision. This deliberate pace helps reduce the risk of accidents or strain, allowing practitioners to internalize the correct execution and safely practice the applications without causing harm to themselves or their training partners.

3 – Difficult Techniques Are Done Slowly to Help Master the Form

The third possible reason is that for some students, certain techniques could pose a challenge, so performing them slowly in kata allows them the time and space to master the form and refine their movements.

By slowing down difficult techniques, students have the chance to isolate each part of the movement and ensure that they are executing it correctly. This also provides instructors with the opportunity to give constructive feedback. For example, the opening sequence of the Seiyunchin kata (Goju Ryu version) is performed slowly due to its complexity. This sequence involves three distinct techniques: breaking free from a double hand grab, receiving an attack, and countering with a knife-hand strike (though this is just one possible application of the sequence).

Once the form is learned and the technique becomes second nature, practitioners can gradually increase the speed during solo practice, while still maintaining proper form and balance. This slow-to-fast progression helps build muscle memory and reinforces correct technique without sacrificing accuracy or control.

4 – Grappling Techniques Are Meant to Be Performed Slowly

Some kata techniques are performed slowly because they are meant to represent grappling movements that require precise control and timing, rather than speed and power.

In many traditional karate styles, kata contains hidden grappling techniques, such as joint locks, throws, and close-range control, which are intended to be performed smoothly and slowly. Performing these techniques slowly allows the practitioner to fully understand the mechanics and movements involved, as well as to better visualize the practical application of these techniques in a self-defense situation.

Of course, during personal practice, you are free to adjust the speed to suit your training goals. For example, you might slow down to refine form, speed up to develop power, or experiment with timing and rhythm to explore the kata’s nuances.

Benefits of Performing Kata Slowly

The above are four possible reasons we could think of as to why some kata techniques are performed slowly. Regardless of the reasons, we believe there are several potential benefits to performing kata at a slower pace:

Improved Form: Practicing kata slowly allows you to focus on each movement, ensuring that every technique is performed correctly with proper alignment, posture, and precision. This approach saves time in the long run by helping avoid the development of bad habits that would require additional effort to unlearn and correct later on. Practicing a kata slowly to master its outer form aligns with Kenei Mabuni Sensei’s recommended three stages of kata mastery.
Enhanced Body Mechanics: By performing each movement deliberately, you can pay closer attention to the subtleties of body mechanics, such as proper hip rotation, foot placement, and breathing. These elements are crucial for efficient and powerful techniques.
Reduced Stress: Performing a kata at full speed and power constantly can be counterproductive and place undue stress on your body. Alternating between fast, powerful execution and slow, flowing practice allows for regular training without over-stressing the body.
Mind-Body Connection: Practicing kata slowly gives you an opportunity to better visualize and understand the applications (bunkai) of each movement. This deeper understanding of kata helps translate into effective self-defense skills in real-world situations.
Continued Practice During Injury: During periods of injury recovery, practicing kata slowly allows you to continue training while avoiding setbacks. It offers a way to maintain progress without exacerbating the injury.
Development of Patience and Discipline: Slowing down the pace of training encourages patience, perseverance, and discipline. It emphasizes the importance of quality over speed, reinforcing the idea that mastery comes through careful and dedicated practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four potential reasons outlined above are what we think might explain why some kata techniques are performed slowly. If you think these reasons are incorrect or if there are other factors, we’d love to hear from you. Regardless of the reason, we believe that performing kata at a slower pace offers numerous benefits. Whether it’s to improve form, develop body mechanics, reduce stress, or gain a deeper mind-body connection, practicing slowly allows you to refine techniques and build a stronger foundation for martial arts mastery.