Kata
The Kata we practice in Seishin Kitaido develop a spectrum of movement that helps us experience a broader, fuller expression through our bodies. Sensing, focusing internally, feeling and expressing our Ki and emotional energy are two ways to experience our bodies and energy. We can inhabit them in a deeper, more stable and expressive way.
Yin and Yang aspects of Kata
The dynamic of internalising and sensing our bodies is more Yin. In other words we inhabit our bodies and become more aware of our internal connections, sensations and movement of energy. Expressing our energy and feelings to the world, sharing and opening ourselves, moving beyond our kinespheres is more Yang.
There are kata to develop both aspects of these body-energy connections. There are also kata that emphasise the Universals, the Essence of oneness, Breath, and to transcend our particular and individual world. Other Kata develop the flow of Ki, movement or techniques (they all overlap and it really is a matter of emphasis).
As an example the Yang Kata expresses fully the feeling of Yang energy through a simple series of flowing forms; it is like dawn and sunrise in our bodies. It can be called the essential Yang Kata.
Breath, Ki and Kata
Seiruten Kata (Breath of Heaven) is a kokyu (universal pulse) kata. Seiruten helps us realise profound rhythms and synchronicity of energy, breath and movement, helping us harmonise with the Universal pulse of life, Heaven and Earth. This soft internal yet externally expressive kata harmonises mind and body through the subtle yet powerful breathing forms that flow through the kata (the forms and breath are the same).
The Nagare Kata (to stream ki) teaches the flow of ki and develops our connections through the three levels and four directions of ki and movement. It helps us feel the flow of ki and connect the whole body through the movements.
The purpose of Kata
Each kata can and does develop some essential part of our practice whether that is more universal flow of energy, or technical aspects of movement that help us develop our concentration and movement skills.