Is Kata just a way for Mcdojos to make money?

Question

Is Kata just a way for Mcdojos to make money?

Answer 1

Kata are hundreds and many even over a thousand years old and their movements used over and over on the battle field.

Kata and mcdojos have nothing to do with each other, except that if you are not learning kata and their deep meanings, you are probably in a mcdojo.

Answer 2

Only if they start asking for money every time you want to learn a new one!  Or, they claim it is some sort of secret lost kata that only the master knows but he'll only teach it to you at the retreat/camp/clinic or one-on-one for extra cash.

Otherwise, kata is a way to express and train in the martial arts on your own.  To a lesser extent, it exposes you to the various moves that are possible in combat.  It definitely helps your overall awareness and positioning of your weight.

Bottom line:  If your school charges you every time you want to learn a new kata.  RUN FOR THE HILLS!

Answer 3

Is a Kata a way for Mcdojos to make money? -Yes

Is a Kata JUST a way for Mcdojos to make money? - Not Just

Martial arts isn't just about warfare some people appreciate the dance and fitness aspects, so there's nothing wrong with it.  I took those kind of martial arts when I was 9 and had a blast.   As an adult I haven't trained that way, but there's  nothing wrong for folks who are into it.

Answer 4

Man why is every one down on performing Katas these days? What gives?  Katas are required at most schools for "belt rank advancement" so what's up with all the attacks on Katas?  To prove form and technique to your own sensei and/or board.  To showcase your abilities and follow after tens of thousands of other "brothers" who have already walked that path is some horrible thing all of sudden?  Since when is "tradition" such a bad "money is everything" event?  Katas are that they are and I very highly doubt $$$ is the reason for them no matter what school it may be.  No one ever asked that question back in the 80's when it seemed everyone "literally" was taking "Karate" in some form.  Katas were the shiznit!!!  What a different world we live in today huh?  What would you rather have? "Traditional Katas" or "Contact Katas" on a heavy bag? Maybe throw in some Okinawan Karate grappling in there and hey you might have a brand new "Karate Style"  hhhmmm......... Some one should work on that in order to keep the attention of modern day students in the "Karate" ( atemiwaza ) styles huh?

Oh...I can just hear it now....."Contact Katas" freaking rule man!!!  eeww...eeww....ewww and what if "Contact Katas" were done like Iaido practitioners practice Iaido only there's light contact instead and no swords...that would be a cool way to test for the next belt up huh?

All the kids would be like..."best not mess wit me sucka I know 18 different "Contact Katas fool"

Answer 5

No, while many Mcdojos will use them to make money, they are an age old way to perfect your skills. If your a musician you usually practice your songs over and over again so that you'll get better. Kata are like songs, when you practice them over and over again they will make you better.

Answer 6

Kata is essential. It not only teaches you various techniques, but also how to apply them through bunkai (application) and conditions your muscle memory.

While it's true in a street fight you wouldn't get in the long, wide stances you find in a lot of kata, you would stand in a loose version of them, making the movement and hip power just as effective as in kata. There's a lot of treasure to be found in each kata - everything from its origin to anatomic applications.

Answer 7

Last tiem I took classes, kata was included in the class. I wan't just taking class for the kata. Although the kata was very helpful in helping me aquire and refine my skills.