In the late 1800's to the early 1900's, Professor Anko Itosu began modifying the Chang katas for the express purpose of introducing karate to school children in Okinawa. These later became the Pinan/Heian katas. The movements primarily stayed the same, but were re-labeled into a primarily block-punch-kick format. This worked well for its intended purpose i.e. bringing the arts to young people for health benefits as well a small amount of defense training.
However, I don't think Professor Itosu envisioned adults being taught this way in a mass market venue. After Japan was defeated in WWII the bulk of Westerners as well as Koreans were taught the 'children’s' version of kata. True, some Westerners and Koreans such as GM Byung of Shito Ryu were taught the adult, 'real' version, but this was the exception rather than the rule. This is why the bulk of Tae Kwon Do for example is based on children’s karate. Only a few of the original two waves of Kwans such as the Han Moo Kwan had access to more advanced models to pattern the new art after.
As an example, take the opening movement of Pinan Shodan kata. Typically taught as a front hand parry or block with the opposite hand held high, presumably as a 'guard'. It is an improper application that isn't based on a realistic response to an attack. Bunkai is supposed to be an application in and of itself so cause damage to an attacker. Any application that doesn't 'do' something to an attacker is an incorrect application. So using the above example, a better application is a shoulder lock takedown. The principle shown in the kata demonstrates a principle of leverage that is equally applicable on the ground as well.
The opening move to Taegue Il Jang is not a downward forearm block to an attacker’s front kick. First off, you’re not even facing the attacker to see a front kick coming. Secondly, why would we want to turn into a front kick? If our timing is off, we've just bought a 'boot to the groin'. What if it is any other type of kick such as a side snap kick? Ueichi practitioners are famous for conditioning their shins; I know I did when I trained in Pang/Uechi. I'm not sure impacting a conditioned shin with our ulna which is the smallest bone in our arm is an advisable trade. A better application or 'Ho Shin Sul' is that of a low punch to the attacker, or possibly a grab while simultaneously grasping the upper body/head from behind and pulling the attacker off balance and to the ground.
It isn't an easy task to describe dynamic movements via this medium, but the point is that kata/hyung/pattern/form training doesn't have to be a class filler. It can be an in-depth method of truly learning an art. A few kata could truly be all one would need for a life time of learning and training. Each kata being in essence a complete system in its own right.
It is up to us as instructors to continue to research as much as possible to provide our students with the best possible material. Turning a class filler necessary for the next belt into a life time of meaningful training.
Just some thoughts...
