The History of Kateda
The History of Kateda is as yet unknown to the general public, as the rediscovery of this teaching was made by a solitary man from Himalaya called Tagashi.
In 1907, at the age of twenty, Tagashi was travelling in the North of Tibet. There he found an ancient leather bound book or manuscript written in symbolic form. For the next forty years he studied the book and made an intensive search for it's origin, comparing it with other ancient books kept by the people of Tibet, Nepal and the Himalayas. He came to the conclusion that the 'Seven Secrets', as he named the book, having translated the symbols into seven different characters, originated from a time when wars were non-existant.
He described the teaching as "a structural anatomy of human inner force, built by the seven purest elements of natural inner strength". This knowledge was used for protection against the wild surroundings, and also for maintaining peace and harmony. With the invention of war weapons the teaching in the book became less and less practiced, until eventually they were completely forgotten
In 1947 Tagashi decided to follow the map shown on the last pages of the book, believing this to be the journey made person, or persons who had been the last keeper of the book, to prevent it from being destroyed.
He also believed that the 'Seven Secrets' should be shared with others, and that everybody should have access to the knowledge.
During the 16 year period of his journey through Nepal, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia he taught some 200 students. The teaching was given in secret to prevent them from misusing the resulting knowledge of Self Defence.
Everyone was sworn to secrecy, especially those who were able to master the ability to punch solid objects without pain or injury. They also had to improve their sense of responsibility regarding this knowledge, by teaching others under Tagashi's intensive guidance.
In 1963 Tagashi and 30 Masters arrived at Bromo Mountain in East Jawa, Indonesia. It was here thet he discovered the meaning of inner vision and inner voice through experiencing a vision -- he saw appear on the sides of the crater the same symbols that were described in the book. This vision formed the basis of his belief that the Seventh Secret could be achieved through the methods of Self Defence.
From this moment Tagashi's aim was to stay in the Bromo Mountain and find the link or method which separated the ability he had already achieved, from the ultimate knowledge -- the Seventh Secret.
During his six year stay from 1963 - 1969 some students from Indonesia met Tagashi. They stayed with him and later, on reaching the Master stage, were given the special task of helping Tagashi find the key to unlocking the Seventh Secret.
In 1969 one of the Masters from Indonesia obtained permission from Tagashi to translate the Seven Secrets into ordinary language, including the method of unlocking the Seventh Secret, which had finally been discovered by this same master. This Master had never seen the manuscript until Tagashi gave him permission to translate it. The permission had been given because this master himself, while at the Bromo Mountain, had exactly the same vision as Tagashi, of the symbols described in the last pages of the book. Tagashi realised that this pointed to the reality of the Seventh Secret -- that it could be achieved.
The method by which it could be achieved was called Deep Silence, and would enable him to be able to control the mind so as to make contact with his subconsious and from there to reach his inner vision and inner voice.
For three years from 1969 - 1972 this Master translated the Seven Secrets in the silent solitude of North Tibet, where the manuscript had been found.
In March 1972 Tagashi accepted the translation. He also agreed to abolish the traditional secrecy and replace it with a structured teaching organisation with rules and regulations. The translation of the Seven Secrets was called Kateda -- meaning the highest stage of Central Power.
The methods of breathing, muscle control, physical movement, mind concentration, internal heat communication, inner vision and inner voice, are the words used today -- replacing the symbols of the original manuscript. The only symbol used in the translation is the name Kateda itself. the letters K A T E D A were taken from symbols drawn on the very last page of 'Seven Secrets' -- the symbols of the mountain together with guide lines, also in symbolic form, of instructions towards reaching the highest point.
In 1976, on the 22nd of January, Tagashi died at the age of 89. He was cremated in the crater of Bromo, together with the original manuscript. This was his last wish. He also requested that whoever was to become the new Grandmaster of Kateda must put the priority of peace above all the knowledge achieved through Kateda's methods.
In 1977, 5 years after the opening of the first school of Kateda in Indonesia, The Kateda International -- the principal teaching organisation of the Kateda schools -- opened a school in England and, three years later in 1980 in America.
All those schools with the branches were centralised under the name of 'Kateda School of Self Defence'
On the 5th of March 1981 the London Kateda School of Self Defence became the headquarters of all Kateda schools, as by this time the members of Kateda schools were from many different cultures and backgrounds -- from England, Indonesia, America, the West Indies, Iran, Denmark etc.
In 1982 there were some 30 Masters Leading schools through the traditional method of selection, ensuring the requests of the late Grandmaster Tagashi were adhered to.
Today Kateda remains, as always, taught amongst the wider range of people and dedicated to Peace.
Kateda -- the teaching of Inner Peace, once was forgotton, and now has been restored within those whose life is to prefer Peace in all human lives -- not destruction.
