Mental Attitude for the Performance of Kata (1) Ceremonial Bow:
Karate training begins and ends with a ceremonial bow. To
perform this movement a musubi-dachi ("informal stance") is
taken with hands relaxed,lightly touching the thighs. The body
is then bent forward, while the eyes remain focused straight
ahead. Out of respect to his training partner the karateka must
perform the bow with sincerity. Courtesy and decorum are the
first requirements of the karateka. As the famous instructor
Funakoshi Gichin often told his pupils: "The spirit of karate is
lost without courtesy." And the karateka must be courteous, not
only in training but also in daily life. Furthermore he must be
humble and gentle. Yet the karateka must never be servile—he
must always perform the kata boldly and with confidence. This
combination of boldness and gentleness, which might seem
paradoxical to the beginner, ultimately leads to harmony. (2)
Kamae ("posture") and Zanshin ("perfect finish"): After bowing
at the center of the embusen (kata