Katas are a way to practice movements so that they become instinctive. They are performed quite slowly and deliberately, which means that at every stage of the movement you have to maintain balance and poise. It also means that practising katas strengthens your musculature.
I tried tai chi for about 6 months. For us beginners, it was mostly katas, and I routinely came away with aching muscles. Advanced students used tai chi for sparring, and the instructor occasionally came in with swords, and did a rather alarming performance.
As a kid I learned judo. That was mostly wrestling; but to advance, you had to do some kata work. I didn't find judo katas nearly as stretching as I later found tai chi katas; but I was 10 when I learned judo. I was 50 when I tried tai chi, and not very fit; so that might explain my different experiences.
Karate was something that rough boys bragged about; it was clear to me that it was a technique for hurting people, so I stayed clear.
I tried tai chi for about 6 months. For us beginners, it was mostly katas, and I routinely came away with aching muscles. Advanced students used tai chi for sparring, and the instructor occasionally came in with swords, and did a rather alarming performance.
As a kid I learned judo. That was mostly wrestling; but to advance, you had to do some kata work. I didn't find judo katas nearly as stretching as I later found tai chi katas; but I was 10 when I learned judo. I was 50 when I tried tai chi, and not very fit; so that might explain my different experiences.
Karate was something that rough boys bragged about; it was clear to me that it was a technique for hurting people, so I stayed clear.