Mental or Physical

As you perform your pattern, you should look like an robot performing programmed motions. You should appear as a alert warrior who is reacting to attacks from unseen attackers. Your performance should cause viewers to visualize your attackers. They should feel as though they are watching a real fight. Master Itsou (founder of the pinan and heian karate katas), when outlining his philosophy of karate to the Prefecture Education department wrote, “During practice, you should imagine you are on the battlefield. When blocking and striking, you should make your eyes glare, drop the shoulders, and harden the body. Now block the enemy’s punch and strike! Always practice with this spirit so that, when on the real battlefield, you will naturally be prepared.” 

Once you bow at the beginning of the pattern, you should have "no mind," a mind that is open and not fixed upon any particular object or thought. You are not thinking about performing the pattern, you are merely reacting attackers with fearless power.

Do not exhibit arrogance during your performance. From the time you are called forward to perform you pattern, you should exhibit the quite courtesy and humility of a fearless warrior who has been called upon to do battle for the kingdom. A true warrior is confident and is to be feared, while at the same time presents him or herself as a kind, gentle and humble servant of the king.