The integration of mime and martial arts actions allows participants to use the concept of Kata to develop meaningful and powerful performance skills. The similarities and differences within martial arts kata and traditional approaches to mime will be examined. Working individually and in groups Kata will be used as a medium to train neuromuscular connections enabling performers to gain greater physical control and awareness whilst learning mime and physical acting techniques. Motivation and meaning will be examined in context of emotional content and control. Kata will also form the basis for exercises that will support the development of physical improvisation skills.

Classes will enable participants to develop energy within their actions using the principle of Kiai (the expression of energy/spirit). The relationship between action and emotional energy will be examined, as will internal and external stimuli for emotion.

The project aims to support the composition of physical theatre performance involving skills from both physical disciplines allowing the use of a wide range of representational styles; naturalistic, stylised, abstract and symbolism. The form will be used to investigate issues and to offer interpretation for audiences in performance.

As the programme progresses the cultural similarities and differences between clown philosophy and martial arts will be examined in relation to concepts of Do and Zen. Clown movement and principles (duality/ focus/ motivations/ absurd in the mundane/anti-functionality) will be used to develop performance skills and to investigate issues.