The kata was created with a view to being applicable to the needs of shiai.
When practicing the kata one must face an opponent as if one were using a real sword.
When practicing the kata one must face an opponent as if one were using a real sword.
Οnes guard must not be relaxed for an instant and one must practice exactly according to the rules and patterns set for the kata. It must not be practiced as though it were merely a set of rigid movements, and must be practiced with full spirit. Moreover kata should not be practiced only for its own sake but with a view to adapting the lessons learned for actual use in keiko or shiai.
