"It should be known that the secret principles of Goju-Ryu exist within the kata." Master Chojun Miyagi - Founder of Goju-Ryu
What is kata?
It really depends on who you ask....
"Kata (型 or 形, literally: "form") is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs" Wikipedia
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"Kata is a formal exercise whereby the Karate-Ka engages in defense and attack with imaginary opponents." Shuriway karate and kobudo
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"Kata is a series of prearranged defensive and offensive movements, including intricate body motions, each of which is an actual response to one or more attackers" Hidai Ochiai
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"The Japanese word 'kata' is used to refer to patterns of motion that are well choreographed and can be carried out either singly or in pairs." Ask.com
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"Exercise consisting of several of the specific movements of a martial art, esp. a pattern prescribed for defending oneself against several attackers, used in judo and karate training." Dictionary.com
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"Kata are sequences of predetermined fighting actions that help the student understand the body movements required to be able to correctly perform a technique or series of techniques." Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association
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