By definition, Mixed Martial Arts; the martial arts bit usually defined by a system held together by a series of kata. Has MMA shown kata practice in the modern age to be redundant? Has it been replaced by drills that themselves become modern day kata? Do the classical kata of systems such as Goju, Shotokan and Wado have anything to offer the modern day MMA fighter?

Well really, what's the difference between set drills and kata?


Mick

Try telling some of the MMA boys they're doing 'kata' and watch their reaction

Not sure if anyone from Perth has seen the "Fight Club" ads stating "No Kata"??

If a mma guy is studying different complete systems such as Karate and BJJ I would expect them to learn kata from both systems.

Is kata redundant? Yes to a degree because you don't NEED kata to learn everything what's contained in it. Having shorter, more specific drills is just as effective but you wouldn't get so terribly hung about performance and form.

Now... is kata redundant in karate?

Good question...... If you listen to the Trad Karate practitioners, then Kata contains everything you need to know ( or everything you need to grade - according to some styles )
If you listen to the Martial-Arts Historians, then Kata contains what used to be known and taught, and now we have the happy job of to trying to figure out what it all means.
If you listen to the "Freestyle KarateJeetKickKuneFu" guys, then kata is used as a training tool but no applications are taught.

I think this needs Micks input......