You see, karate training is divided into three distinct areas, known to the affiliated as the 'Three Ks': kihon, kata and kumite. (For a fairly complete list of Nihongo (Japanese) terms used in karate, check out the Terminlogy page.)

• Kihon
• Kata
• Kumite

Kihon

Kihon essentially means 'basics' and training in this area of karate involves developing one's techniques as close to perfection as possible. This requires dedicated, repetetive practice of punches, kicks and stances, as well as smaller details such as turning and breathing.

Kata

Kata is one way to build on and apply those basics. To the uninitiated, kata would appear to be some sort of ballistic dance, where the martial artist would prance back-and-forth, throwing punches and kicks and making strange 'wavy arm' movements. However, kata is actually a very important area of karate. Each individual kata is a pre-determined series of moves used to fight multiple imaginary foe who may or may not be armed. While some of the moves found in a kata are obvious (such as a punch or kick), the bunkai (application) of many of the moves are more subtle and harder to appreciate. For example, some of those 'wavy-arm' movements may be arm-locks, while many of the jumps seen in kata actually represent throws. In some cases, a movement that appears to be a block may actually be a strike and vice versa. It should be appreciated that there is no single correct application for a particular move in kata. There are indeed many 'standard' applications which are taught in classes, but a true karate-ka (practicioner of karate) must learn to improvise and seek their own interpretations of what the moves mean.

Improving one's kata not only involves perfecting movements in combination, but also requires a development of zanshin - 'awareness' - and an appreciation of nuances and meanings of the movements.

Kumite

Kumite (roughly translated as fighting or competition), is the last of the Three Ks. Unfortunately for me, this is the one I've never been all that good at. The reason for this is a little elusive; I have the speed and the techniques, but when required to fight another karate-ka in competition, I can't quite get it together. I think this is mostly to do with my attitude and 'spirit'. While some see kumite as the most important aspect of karate (afterall, what is karate for, if not to learn how to fight), I have always seen it as something of a necessary evil. To me, karate is about the art; it's about perfection in motion, fitness, mental discipline and self-improvement. However, to continue to develop my karate arsenal, I realise that I must learn to embrace kumite as much as the other areas.