It seems everywhere you look in the shotokan world, karate sensei are debating kata applications.

I find kata bunkai very interesting, but my karate training mainly consists of the three k’s (kihon, kata and kumite), every now and then, we will practice kata applications, classical (as the moves are performed in the kata) and self defence versions of the same moves.

As I have said many times before, I personally, do not practice karate just for fighting, don’t get me wrong, fighting definitely plays a part in my karate, but if I just wanted to fight, I would practice mixed martial arts.

Well, what do I mean by choose the right karate dojo for you!

Quite often there are karateka who are completely out of place in their dojo, they are as good as every other karateka in the dojo, but they look uncomfortable, unhappy and uneasy. This is normally down to differences in their mind make up when it comes to karate practice.

The sensei (teacher) has their way of training, a way that has developed over many years, they may be more interested in kumite (sparring), than Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms). Because of this they practice everything, but the majority of their training steers towards kumite training, this is only natural for sensei who have been training many years.

As karate is primarily a striking art, I have always believed in punch bag, focus pad, kick shield and makiwara, training.

You may disagree, but one of my primary objectives with new and experienced karateka, is to encourage them to hit fast and hard. Not only is this an essential part of a striking art, such as karate, it's also good fun!

I am still shocked at how many karateka are not training with, punch bags, focus pads or makiwara!

I do not practice Shotokan karate just for fighting, I love everything about karate, kata, kihon and kumite, if I wanted fighting I would join a MMA gym, they take the best fighting techniques from all the martial arts and put them to practical use in the ring or cage.

There are many reasons why people start karate, they may want to keep fit, they may be looking for a hobby, self defense, socialising, or they have simply been fascinated by the whole history and mysticism surrounding karate and the martial arts.

Most people, in my experience, are not very fit when they start karate, fitness seems to be one of the main attractions, for a lot of people.

When a karate-ka (a karate practitioner) has been training for a certain amount of time, they will sometimes, naturally, supplement their karate practice, it may be running, swimming, cycling, weight training, etc, etc. Of course, there will be senior karate-ka who only practice karate and nothing else. But these karate-ka are normally very serious and are practicing five and more classes each week. But what of the person who only trains once or twice each week?

I am a white belt and will be graded on the first two katas in three weeks. I have looked for diagrams and videos so I can practice at home without making mistakes. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.