Kata
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
Literally, form. A kata is a rigid pattern of attack and defence often used for training purposes in traditional Rokugani martial arts. They are typically used as exercises for focus for meditation, but some also have practical applications in combat. Like techniques, each school has claims to their own unique kata. [1]
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[edit] Basic Kata
There are some kata that are taught by any dojo, and their origins have been lost to time. They are taught throughout Rokugan, and even among minor clans and ronin samurai. [1]
[edit] Thousand Years of Steel
In the twelfth century Kakita Kaiten and Mirumoto Uso met for a duel of respect. As masters of their respective schools they honored the bloodless challenge between the Mirumoto and Kakita schools that occurs almost every generation. The two swordsmen worked together to settle the differences between their two families by designing a set of kata known as the Thousand Years of Steel. These kata are also practiced by all the major bushi schools of the Great Clans.
- Empire Rests on its Edge
- Standing on the Heavens
- Victory of the River
- Victory of the Wind
- World is Empty
[edit] Crab Clan Kata
The Crab dojo are as secretive as any, and although they have been known to teach their most treasured kata occasionally to those in most need of them. Mostly the Dead-Eyes Berserkers and Hiruma Scouts. [2]
[edit] Crane Clan Kata
The Crane are perhaps the most selective and traditional swordsmen in Rokugan, and their dedication to excellence is reflected in their kata. Learning one of their kata is an honor shared with few outside the clan. [3]
[edit] Dragon Clan Kata
Though many Dragon can be enigmatic and distant the Mirumoto family's expertise in the art of the samurai cannot be questioned. The Dragon gladly teach their kata to anyone who will embrace their ways, but not all can be taught them easily. [4]
[edit] Lion Clan Kata
The Lion are a clan with traditional mastery of the art of combat. Their sensei are brutal and unforgiving, but only because their students are expected to live up to the high standard of the clan. Any student capable of meeting these standards might be allowed to learn their kata. [5]
[edit] Mantis Clan Kata
Some might call the Mantis style unorthodox, but the Yoritomo are very proud of their kata. Since the adoption of the Tsuruchi family some of these kata have been shared with them. Also the few Moshi who take up the life as a bushi are allowed to learn them. [6]
[edit] Phoenix Clan Kata
There are few of the Phoenix who can muster the same brute strength as some of the southern schools, but they make up for it with several subtle martial techniques. [7]
[edit] Scorpion Clan Kata
The Scorpion guard their kata as jealously they would any knowledge, and few outsiders are accepted into their schools and allowed to learn their ancient kata. Those who do realize they have recieved a great gift, and that the Scorpion will want that gift repaid. [8]
[edit] Unicorn Clan Kata
The Unicorn rely heavily on unorthodox maneuvers and unpredictable techniques learnt from their travels outside Rokugan. As a result their kata vary considerably from the kata of other clans. [9]
[edit] References
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