Why most kumite champions are not kata champions
By Bino Felix
There are very few karateka that can achieve greatness in both kumite and kata. Those who do are closer to understanding the spiritual aspects of karate. Although most people see kumite and kata as different disciplines, there are many aspects that require the same attitude and level of proficiency to achieve the best results.
In most cases, a good performance of either kumite or kata is determined by the state of mind of the karateka. He/she must be in total control of the emotions that run amok prior to a performance. The desire to do well most often becomes the main obstacle of the desired result. Most people call it nervousness. I call it lack of understanding of oneself. These are four states of mind that are critical to an effective performance.
CONFIDENCE
Before any performance can be delivered effectively, let us assume that the karateka's physical performance preparation is at the level of his/her training. If the karateka is a green belt, the performance should be at green belt level. One should not expect to perform at a brown belt level. This is the beginning of understanding oneself.
One should acknowledge their limitations and accept them. Performances or techniques should not be attempted in competition until they have been developed to an acceptable level, i.e. trying to perform a kata that is above the level of training or trying to execute a kumite technique that has not been fully developed. It is impossible to feel confident with something that is not fully understood.
PASSIVENESS
The passive state of mind is being in control of emotions such as fear, apprehension or impatience. When one acknowledges his or her level of achievement of techniques, or kata, one may then relax within their comfort zone and avoid the anxiety that is often felt when unsure of the performance results.
DOMINATION
Dominating your opponent is parallaled by dominating your kata performance. As one must be the dominant fighter of the kumite match, in order to be successful, the kata performance must be executed in a dominant state of mind.
Any uncertainity of the kata movements, or understanding of the applications, makes for a weak performance. It is very obvious to the judges when someone is not in tune with the kata. Only when the meaning of the kata is fully understood can someone deliver a dominant performance.
INVINCIBILITY
The invincible state of mind can only be achieved when one is in full control of all states. If a true feeling of invincibility is achieved, an aura is projected outwards to the kumite opponent and to the judges viewing the kata performance. This will make the opponent more apprehensive and will go a long way in impressing the judges.
Obviously, it is much easier for some people to achieve the desired state of mind when it comes to kumite because physical conflict may have been part of their life from a very young age. These people may have practiced street kumite even before elementary school, so when they apply it to their karate training, it comes much easier.
If kumite champions would apply the same state of mind to their kata practice and performance, they would achieve greater results.