The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications

The Principles for Understanding Kata are Largely Unknown – Until Now

The ancient masters developed kata, or "formal exercises," as fault-tolerant methods to preserve their unique, combat-proven fighting systems. Unfortunately, they deployed a two-track system of instruction where an 'outer circle' of students unknowingly received modified forms with critical details or important principles omitted. Only the select 'inner circle' that had gained a master's trust and respect would be taught okuden waza, the powerful hidden applications of kata.

The theory of deciphering kata applications (kaisai no genri) was once a great mystery revealed only to trusted disciples of the ancient masters in order to protect the secrets of their systems. Even today, while the basic movements of kata are widely known, advanced practical applications and sophisticated techniques frequently remain hidden from the casual observer. The principles and rules for understanding kata are largely unknown.

This groundbreaking book unveils these methods, not only teaching you how to analyze your kata to understand what it is trying to tell you, but also helping you to utilize your fighting techniques more effectively―both in self-defense and in tournament applications.

Fifteen general principles to identify effective techniques

• Twelve discrete rules for deciphering martial applications
• Comprehensive insights into kata history, strategy and tactics
• Vital physiological considerations
• Well organized materials for easy reference and comprehensive understanding

Lawrence is the best-selling author of nine books.

A founding technical consultant to University of New Mexico’s Institute of Traditional Martial Arts, he also has written numerous articles on martial arts, self-defense, and related topics for prestigious publications such as the International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society Journal, Jissen, Fighting Arts, and Traditional Karate magazine.

Since 1970, Lawrence has studied and taught traditional Asian martial arts, medieval European combat, and modern close-quarter weapon techniques. During the 26 years he worked stadium security part-time he was involved in hundreds of violent altercations, but got paid to watch football. He is currently a senior strategist at an aerospace company where he gets to play with billions of dollars of other people’s money and make really important decisions. He lives in Seattle, Washington with his son Joey and wife Julie.

Kris Wilder began his martial arts training in 1976 in the art of Tae Kwon Do, he has earned black belt-level ranks in three arts: Tae Kwon Do (2nd Degree), Kodokan Judo (1st Degree) and Goju-Ryu Karate (5th Degree), which he teaches at the West Seattle Karate Academy.

Though now retired from Judo competition, while active in the sport Kris competed on the national and international level. He has traveled to Japan and Okinawa to train in karate and has authored several books on the martial arts, including co-authoring The Way of Kata. He has also written guest chapters for other martial arts authors and has had articles published in Traditional Karate, a magazine out of the U.K. with international readership. Kris also hosts the annual Martial University, a seminar composed of multidisciplinary martial artists, and he regularly instructs at seminars.

Kris lives in Seattle, Washington with his son Jackson.