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Seeing the Attacker

During kata, it is important to be able to see the attacker. For each movement, there is a corresponding attack or attacks. When you move, you should visualize the attacker and see your technique being applied.

You can tell when a student sees the attacker or is merely going through the motions.

Once I watched a sensei performing Fukyugata Ichi. The first movement is a left gedan barai (downward block) followed by a right step and right chudan tsuki (middle punch). The sensei took an extra long step before the punch.

When asked about it he explained, "he moved." The attacker, in his mind, had stepped back requiring him to take a longer step.

He might have been joking, but he seemed serious.

When performing kata you should visualize the attacker(s).


Charles C. Goodin