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Katas
Kata is a Japanese word describing detailed patterns of movements usually practiced solo. Karate kata are executed as a specified series of a variety of moves, with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form.
A more simplified definition of kata is: A series of offensive and defensive techniques practiced against one or more imaginary opponents. Without kata karate would just be street fighting.
Kata is used to develop stepping, form, speed, power, balance an focus. The practice of kata improves all facets of the art of karate including, form, self defense and sparring.
When kata is taught live in the dojo the student is shown only a few steps or techniques at a time. The student then practices what he/she is taught and then demonstrates the moves for his/her instructor. This process might take weeks or longer. If things are progressing correctly, the moves are correct and the form is decent, more of the kata is taught.
Since we are video training in this program it is suggested that you follow the following guidelines when learning each kata:
1. Take your time. Do each move slowly, stopping to check for proper form after each move. If possible practice in front of a mirror or have someone video tape your progress.
2. Work on only a small portion of the form at a time, only progressing when you feel your form is right.
3. Continue doing the moves slowly, checking your stances, hand positioning and correct placement of your punches, kicks and blocks.
4. Work the kata slowly until you have all the moves comfortably down with good form. Only then should you speed up and start to add power to all your moves. As far as speed is concerned, we include a full speed (really normal speed) version for you to see the proper speed the kata should be performed at.
Brown-White Belt Curriculum -1
Brown-White Belt Curriculum -1
Congratulations! If you have gotten this far you should be ready to test for your Brown belt. Please review the testing requirements for this level below. We have provided a download button to a PDF file with all the belt requirements for your convenience as you may prefer to print out the document.
Additional Kata Review
At this level we will require you to perform the following katas in addition to your test kata.
Sa
Pinan Shodan
Anaku
Seisan
Please scroll to Testing Procedure instructions below.
About Hanshi Michael Pace
Hanshi Pace has been studying and teaching the martial arts since 1967. He started his training in a system called Amdo which means American Way.
In the early 70's he started to train in the Goshin-Ryu system of karate. Goshin-Ryu is comprised of the four major Okinawan styles of karate but primarily Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu.
After receiving his fifth degree black belt in 1990 he opened his own school in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.
He created the Pace Institute of Karate and moved his school to McAfee, NJ and later to Vernon, NJ in 1995.
He has developed over 100 black belts over the years and many hundreds of Junior black belts.
He is currently the President and Grand Master of both the Goshin Ryu and American Goshin-Do Karate Associations. He is also a member of the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
In 2012 he received his 10th Degree black belt and in 2014 the title of "Hanshi" Grand Master.
Scroll down to see some past and present photos.
Pictured with just a few of his many black belts.
Today
1967
Pictured here with his wife. Taken about 10 years ago.
Pictured with a few of his ranking black belts and Great Grandmaster J. Stellingwerf.
2018 Age 71
Hanshi's last dojo.
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