|
|
Kata demonstrations show another side to judo
Kapiti Judo Club members were introduced to the power and grace of "kata", by two of the country's foremost authorities in this form of judo, Alan Hoverd and Lisa Whiteman.
So what is Judo kata? According to judoinfo.com kata is a "set of prearranged choreographed judo techniques".
"There are many aspects of judo, which can only be fully understood through the practice of kata. It is difficult to fully comprehend judo by just reading books and articles or even watching videos. Getting on the mat and practicing kata is as important as randori practice or competing in a tournament for learning judo. For example, there are historical features of judo, which are retained only within kata. Many such elements involve preservation of unsafe jujitsu techniques, which are prohibited acts in competitive judo today."
Alan (5th Dan Black Belt, Sensei) and Lisa (3rd Kyu Green Belt) are current New Zealand Masters kata champions, and will be pairing up again at the New Zealand Nationals in October 21 - 23 and then at the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Brisbane in November.
Alan has been involved with judo for over 45 years and first represented New Zealand in 1969. Lisa has been doing judo for four years after giving up ballet, and has three children, two of whom are involved with judo.
|
|
|
|
