Learning and relearning a kata the opposite way

Total 360 Karate May 2026 Blog

Learning and relearning a kata the opposite way

Karate leans on three components: kata, kumite, and khihon. These items are the fundamental aspects of karate, regardless of style.  Everyone wants to learn how to spar and defend themselves, but it is the Kihon and kata that shape our learning.

Discover why practicing kata in reverse strengthens reactions and overall skill.  

Khihon are the basics in karate.  Every dojo does them. They may change the order, pace, and repetitions, but they are all done in a dojo.  What we are left looking at is kata.  Kata is the transmission of knowledge. This transmission is learning a pattern or set of movements that can  be ingrained in the body to help with Kumite.  Traditional katas start a certain way and end a certain way. This certain way could be starting to the left and ending in the same spot you started.  AS a beginner learning kata, it is important to learn the kata as taught. Figure out the bunkai, timing, levels, and all the little aspects of the kata.  

The next level to this is taking the kata and learning it, starting in the opposite direction.   This causes the brain to have to think, but also teaches the body to respond to both sides.  The relearning helps our body and mind continue to think.  The ability to build both sides of the body is the ultimate goal.  I say that I have literally done H form 1 over a 1000 times, all by looking left and going left.  The first few times I reversed it, I had to actively work my hands and feet. I went back to the times when I had to learn by myself in space and time.  Controlling our movements to the point of have to think about them.

The beginner katas are relatively easy to rewire; it’s the traditional or original katas from Japan that require deep thought, collection, and movement to complete them on the opposite side.   Let’s move this back for a minute. When you learn to throw a ball, you generally learn to throw a ball with one hand, 85% of people throw right-handed.  What if you taught yourself to throw left-handed?  Again, this opens up neuro pathways in the brain, which contribute to growth.  It doesn’t have to be a kata or throwing.  Anytime you can learn to do things on both sides of the body, it elevates the overall coordination of the body.

This approach mirrors sparring with your non-dominant side and responding to kata cues. Challenges like these engage neuro-mapping and drive continual improvement. By practicing katas from the opposite side, you build coordination and resilience. Embrace the challenge—your growth starts here. Hajime.