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Kata

Men performing Kata

Kata, the shadow fighting, [1] were formal prearranged movements that taught a student proper fighting techniques. [2]

Literally, form, a kata was a rigid pattern of attack and defence often used for training purposes in traditional Rokugani martial arts. They were typically used as exercises for focus and meditation, but some also had practical applications in combat. Like techniques, each school laid claim to their own unique kata. [3]

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. [3]

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.

Imperial Kata[]

Crab Clan Kata[]

The Crab dojo were as secretive as any, and although they had been known to teach their most treasured kata occasionally to those in the most need of them. Primarily the Dead-Eyes Berserkers and Hiruma Scouts. [4]

Crane Clan Kata[]

The Crane were perhaps the most selective and traditional swordsmen in Rokugan, and their dedication to excellence was reflected in their kata. Learning one of their kata was an honor shared with few outside the clan. [7]

Dragon Clan Kata[]

Though many Dragon could be enigmatic and distant, the Mirumoto family's expertise in the art of the samurai could not be questioned. The Dragon gladly tought their kata to anyone who would embrace their ways, but not all could be taught them easily. [8]

Lion Clan Kata[]

The Lion were a clan with traditional mastery of the art of combat. Their sensei were brutal and unforgiving, but only because their students were 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. [13]

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 took up the life as a bushi were allowed to learn them. [16]

Phoenix Clan Kata[]

There were few of the Phoenix who could muster the same brute strength as some of the southern schools, but they made up for it with several subtle martial techniques. [18]

Scorpion Clan Kata[]

The Scorpion guarded their kata as jealously they would any knowledge, and few outsiders were accepted into their schools and allowed to learn their ancient kata. Those who did realize they had recieved a great gift, and that the Scorpion would want that gift repaid. [19]

Shadowlands Kata[]

Spider Clan Kata[]

Unicorn Clan Kata[]

The Unicorn relied heavily on unorthodox maneuvers and unpredictable techniques learnt from their travels outside Rokugan. As a result their kata varied considerably from the kata of other clans. [21]

Minor Clan Kata[]

Ronin Kata[]

Multiple Clan Kata[]

Powers of Darkness[]

The following abilities of the minions of the Nothing were all kata: [24]

References

  1. Way of the Dragon, p. 30
  2. Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 10
  3. 3.0 3.1 Way of the Samurai, p. 11
  4. Way of the Samurai, p. 21
  5. Bearers of Jade, p. 50
  6. Way of the Ninja, p. 73
  7. Way of the Samurai, p. 30
  8. Way of the Samurai, p. 37
  9. The Broken Shinbone, by Shawn Carman
  10. Secrets on the Wind - Part 1, by Rich Wulf and Shawn Carman
  11. Great Clans, p. 92
  12. Legacy, by Shawn Carman
  13. Way of the Samurai, p. 45
  14. Legacies, by Nancy Sauer
  15. Words & Deeds, Part II, by Shawn Carman
  16. Way of the Samurai, p. 53
  17. Rebirth, by Jed Carleton and Rich Wulf
  18. Way of the Samurai, p. 60
  19. Way of the Samurai, p. 66
  20. Masters of War Masters of War Web Supplement, p. 28
  21. Way of the Samurai, p. 74
  22. 22.0 22.1 The First Lesson, by Robert Denton
  23. Three, by Lucas Twyman
  24. Way of the Ninja, p. 57



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