The Japanese word 'KATA' can be roughly translated as form, a kind of shadow boxing that applies karate techniques in a series of memorised patterns. But those who really understand kata training know that there is much more to it than that. By developing katas, the masters could help their students learn to apply fighting techniques with full force because their opponents were imaginary.

• Safe training: Kata allowed students to practice fighting multiple opponents in challenging scenarios without the risk of injury.

• Creative expression: Kata development provided an outlet for creativity, allowing instructors to incorporate a wide variety of techniques.

• Diverse influences: While primarily focused on karate, kata development drew inspiration from other martial arts and even everyday movements, such as those observed in hunters pursuing different animals.

When individuals first become karate students, they are introduced to a whole set of new skills. New students are taught basic techniques, but they need a training structure to learn how to use them effectively. Katas are an important part of helping these students develop their first awareness of how the techniques they are learning can be used in a fight.

Beginning students need simple KATAS to help them get started. For example, in the Shito-Ryu karate style, there is a series of katas called the Pinan katas that are generally taught to students in their first one to two years of training.

Students learn to differentiate between fast and slow movements and rhythms and how to apply familiar techniques in unusual ways. This process intensifies as students become more advanced. A group of related katas can progress in difficulty to emphasise using a specific set of skills in increasingly complex ways.

Black belt-level katas, of course, require the greatest knowledge of the principals in order to apply an ever-widening variety of techniques in more intricate sets, combinations, and speeds.

By the time students have achieved their black belts, they have a deep awareness of the importance of KATA to the development of their skills. However, it must always be remembered, even at the black belt level, that students must always continue to strive to excel with ever more challenging KATA.

The ongoing challenge of kata training is to strive to achieve perfection. Of course, no person ever truly attains perfection. Students must continually hone their skills, even as they're learning new ones, and must remain open to the observations of their instructors and fellow students.

 Most students realise that no matter how many times they do a kata, they can always benefit from listening to others who may detect a bad habit. Advanced students need to practice the KATAS they learnt as beginners. Too often, advanced students neglect the beginning-level Katas, and focus only on the more glamorous and impressive KATAS. Even though all katas need to be retained, students will usually benefit from focusing on those katas that are most compatible with their own abilities and physical characteristics. 

Kata training, along with training in basics and sparring, helps students move ever closer to this objective. However, an extremely important point is that the ultimate purpose of training is to offer a means of developing a healthy body and a strong character. Kata, with its richness and diversity, is a powerful tool that can help students in their ongoing efforts to reach their GOALS.