It is imperative that students accept the fact very early on in their karate training, that all the katas must be learnt in a specific order, and that this is by design, for each kata is in fact the building block for the kata to follow.

Remember, just knowing the “embusen”, or pattern of a specific kata, making fierce faces, a loud kiai, and strong movements, is not an indication of “knowing” the kata, let alone understanding it.

It is only after many years of hard work and dedication that the true value of any kata will ever be reveled to those who truly seek it.

Those students who jump ahead thinking that knowing a “higher kata” makes them a better karate-ka, are kidding no one but themselves.

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