Partnered forms in the martial arts, where you practice and arranged set of moves (kata) with a partner is an important part of the skill-transmission in the martial arts. While these kata offer insights and skills regarding the movement, how should they be presented and studied?
What are some action points for us to be mindful of while we work through them so that we can get the most out of them?
Koku is an important waza in our Bujinkan training so let's explore one idea to look out for using this kata as an example.
The form itself is made up of a few parts in reaction to a punch and a kick from a training partner. We have ichinonji no kamae, uke negashi (jodan uke) followed by shuto-ken-kudaki, a kick parrying a kick, and a finish with a shito-ken.
Essentially multiple waza linked together to present a movement aspect of taijutsu.
With that framework, while we are going to perform all the points of the kata, one should approach each point with the ability that if one was to stop there, the distance, timing, rhythm, and balance of your training partner should be captured.
As an example, as we start in ichimonji no kamae, followed by uke-negashi and ken-kudaki- if we stop with the ken-kudaki and don't continue on with the rest of the movements, our training partner should not be able to continue the attack or movement.
Rushing through each kata-movement-point just to get it done or get to the "finish" at the end is not controlling the distance, timing, rhythm, and balance of our training partner.
An example of some training drills in our recent class with koku:
You and a training partner practice back and forth with the waza at a moderate pace. Randomly, at different moments in the movement, the teacher call out STOP and both training partners pause the movement.
Is tori in control and balance?
Is uke unable to move or respond?
Working through each part action piece of the form is important, one of the many different ways to approach the transmission of kata.