Kata teaches us principles that extend beyond the specific bunkai we might see for any movement in the kata.
Here are a few of my favourites.
Take and keep the initiative.
It’s always my turn. (the other guy does not get a go)
Have your enemy infront of you. But don’t be infront of your enemy. (use angles)
Unbalancing and disorientation creates opportunities. (eg chokes and throws will not usually work until you create the opportunity – you have to earn the right to do it.)
Dont admire your work. (Get out of there).
Once you start, don’t stop.
Once you hit, keep hitting. – or – Apply overwhelming force through continuous attack.
Be careful what you practice because that’s what you’ll do.
Raise opponents centre of gravity. Keep stable & grounded yourself. (lowest belt wins)
There are no dead hands in karate (Itotsu? – use both hands be active)
Explode into your attack.
Be decisive
Intent trumps technique
Move toward what you know, and away from what you don’t
To unbalance, push or pull at ninety-degrees to the line of feet.
In a fight, there are only two things that are still: People who are unconscious, and people who are about to be unconscious. (Move!)
Always end the fight NOW. (The quicker you finish it, the lower the risk to everyone.)
Feeling is quicker than seeing.
At close-range, action beats reaction.
Kata tells you what, Kumite tells you when
Stay aware of your surroundings. Beaware of the guy you didn’t see. (Scan!)
When practicing kata we should be aware of the principles the kata is trying to teach us and train accordingly.