Kihon means “basics,” or “fundamentals.” It is the term used to describe the practice and repetition of the basic techniques of karate. Kihon can be performed with footwork or from a stationary position. It can be performed individually or in large groups. Kihon can be considered as the alphabet of karate. By organizing various kihon techniques into sequences, kata are created*. When learning how to apply kihon techniques to another person, kumite is born. Since kihon is vital to the development of proper karate technique, Shotokan students spend a great deal of time trying to perfect it. Improve your kihon skills, and all other aspects of karate improve automatically.
Highest level instructors consider stances as the most important element of kihon. A stance is very much like the foundation of a house, quick to crumble if it is weak. Stances were designed to lower one’s center of gravity and thus improve stability. Without a solid stance, an individual cannot deliver a technique with maximum power, and one can easily be taken off balance. Shotokan stances usually tend to be longer and deeper than other styles of karate. Tachi* can be divided into 4 categories:
Outer tension stances involve a slight outward pressure of the knees and thighs. They require deep bending of the knees and therefore have the lowest center of gravity. Since these stances are very low, practice of them is very exhaustive on the leg muscles, thus making it an ideal training for these muscles. Outer tension stances are usually used in conjunction with large movements or long and medium range combat techniques. “Hard styles” of karate (like Shotokan) tend to practice these stances a great deal more than the other stances.
Inner tension stances require an inward pressure of the knees and thighs, and have a higher center of gravity. Although easier on the legs, the positions of the feet and knees can be quite awkward, hence these stances are usually more difficult to master. Since the focus of these stances is inward, they are ideal for developing ki, one’s inner energy. “Soft style” practitioners tend to train these stances more often. Inner tension stances are considered as more advanced stances and are usually practiced in combination with smaller techniques that can be used in short range or close combat.
Natural stances, or shizen tai (natural body), include all of the stances performed from fairly natural positions. These stances maintain the body’s center of gravity at its normal level, requiring little or no tension in the legs or bending of the knees. As such, they are very quickly and easily learned. Natural stances are used when bowing, resting, retreating, and joint locking. They are also often used when awaiting an attack since an individual is most likely going to be in some form of a natural position if ever attacked for real.
Unstable stances include stances that leave the individual in a precarious position, actually worsening balance. They are usually performed either on one leg or with both feet very close together. These stances have very specific functions related to bunkai (applications training) and are not designed to be maintained for long periods of time. However, since these stances are unstable, they require a great deal of balance and are often practiced to help individuals to improve overall stability and coordination.
Uke means “receive.” In karate, uke refers to blocking techniques. Blocks are traditionally used to defend against attack and avoid being hit. They are most commonly performed with the arms or hands, and usually precede a counter-attack. Another important aspect of blocking is that, when applied forcefully enough, they should discourage the assailant from making further attacks, either by causing pain to the attacking limb or utterly destroying it. This is very difficult to actually implement in training since control is of utmost importance and no one wants to go home with broken bones after an evening of practice. Many consider blocks to be of greater importance than attacks simply because karate is a defensive martial art. It should be noted that, although not listed in the blocking section, many of the strikes used in karate can also be used as blocks and vice versa, many blocks can be used as strikes.
Basic blocks are the most common blocks. They are executed with a swinging motion of the arm (up, down, either side) with the fists closed. The point of contact is either the inner or outer forearm, usually closer to the wrist area. Since the entire length of the forearm can be used, they have a much greater safety margin. Therefore, they are the safest blocks to use, especially for a beginner.
Open-hand blocks are performed with the edge or back of the hand, not the arm. Since the hand is much smaller, these blocks have a very small safety margin and are not as common. Usually, open-hand blocks are followed by some form of grabbing with the blocking hand, pulling the opponent off balance, followed by a counter-attack. In many cases, they are delivered as attacks instead of blocks.
Often found in kata, advanced blocks usually have the option of being executed with the hand open or closed. These blocks tend to work best when remaining stationary or when moving forward to meet an opponent’s attack, and afterwards, taking the opponent off their feet. These blocks require better timing skills, and are used effectively only by advanced practitioners. Advanced blocks come in all shapes and sizes; only the more common blocks that appear in more than one kata are listed below.
Blocks using both hands are usually only practiced in kata. In many cases, double-hand blocks are nothing more than a single-hand block with the other hand touching or supporting it, for situations when more force is necessary. They can also consist of two different single-hand blocks performed at the same time, to block two separate opponents or attacks. Thirdly, two of the same blocks can be delivered at the same time to achieve a synergistic effect, usually occurring in advanced bunkai. Very often, double-hand blocks have special applications that aren’t apparent to a beginner or intermediate student. Again, only those double-hand blocks appearing in more than one kata are listed below.
The actual translation of the word tsuki is “thrust.” Technically, any thrusting technique can be labelled as tsuki. In karate, tsuki is the term used for punches. These attacks are traditionally delivered with the front two knuckles of the fist, called seiken (fore-fist). In this section, tsuki will also refer to spear-hand attacks and techniques performed with the fore-knuckles of the fist. Punching techniques (using the seiken) are the most popular attack form in karate. Punching techniques are often used because they are quick, powerful, and versatile. More importantly, punches keep the hands in a very solid and stable position that is capable of withstanding impact. Theoretically, many other attacks can be more effective than punching, yet some of these other attacks (especially spear-hand techniques) can result in damage to your own hand.
All basic punches are linear, requiring full extension of the arm. These punches have the longest range and tend to be the most powerful. Basic punches are easy to learn and simple to use. They are the most often used attack form in karate. In dojo practice, if a punch is to be used, 99% of the time it will be a basic one. Other punching techniques are most often found in kata.
Advanced punches are usually, but not always, non-linear. Many of these punches have the elbow bent at various angles. Although generally not as strong as basic punches, they are more suitable for close range combat. Advanced punches can also be very useful in working around an opponent’s guard. As their label implies, advanced punches are much harder to learn and many students find it difficult to harness power with them.
Double-hand punches are performed with both hands at the same time. Contrary to what one might think, double-hand punches are not as strong as single-hand punches. It is more difficult to coordinate power in both hands at the same time. These movements also have a much smaller hip rotation. Their obvious benefit is that two targets can be hit at the same time, although double-hand punches are almost never used as an offensive attack. More often, they are used in response to an attack, usually with one of the punches acting in a defensive manner. Double-hand punches are frequently used to achieve sen no sen.
Fore-knuckle punches are performed with the middle knuckles of the fingers. These techniques are “sharper,” having a much smaller contact point. Since the point of contact is smaller, these techniques can achieve greater penetration of force (the same amount of force is used on a smaller surface area, creating greater pound-force per square-inch {psi}). The danger in using these attacks occurs in the joints of the fingers. If the joints are not strong enough to absorb the impact with the target, they will break. For this reason, these techniques are most effective against small targets or soft vital areas, reducing the risk of injury to the hand. The fingers and knuckles should be properly conditioned before ever considering using them on solid targets.
Spear-hand techniques involve a thrusting motion with the tips of the fingers. Since the fingertips are very small or “sharp,” spear-hand techniques offer the greatest potential for penetration of force (psi). When delivered by a person with trained and conditioned hands, spear-hands can be quite deadly. Again, although the force behind these techniques can be quite devastating, the risk of breaking the hand is also high. Without proper hand training, it would be ridiculous to attempt a spear-hand in a real situation, even on soft targets. If you want to use these techniques in a real situation, you must train for it. Otherwise, leave it in kata
Kicks include all attacks performed with the legs or feet. Since the muscles of the leg are much larger and stronger than the muscles of the arm, kicking techniques are generally more powerful than hand techniques. They also have a greater attack range. However, kicking does have its drawbacks. Since the leg is bulkier than the arm, kicks tend to be a little slower. Also when kicking, the foot usually has to travel a further distance to reach its target, again sacrificing speed. Finally, kicks leave the karateka on only one leg, compromising balance. For these reasons, punches tend to be viewed more favourably in Shotokan.
Basic kicks are simply those kicks that are practiced most often in Shotokan. These kicks are standard and are practiced almost every class. These kicks are usually learned right at the beginning of one’s training. They are fairly simple and don’t require too much flexibility.
Advanced kicks are those kicks that are practiced much less often, due to their difficulty and risky nature. Advanced kicks usually leave the kicker in a very precarious position. Although use of these kicks can be very dangerous, they can often be very deceptive. These kicks are extremely difficult to perform, requiring excellent speed, timing, and balance skills. Without proper flexibility.
These advanced techniques are executed with the foot, but are usually not considered as kicks in the conventional sense. They are mainly used to damage an opponent’s legs or to break an assailant’s balance. All targets for these attacks are below hip level (gedan).
These kicks are not exactly mainstream Shotokan. Very few dojo will practice them. Many of these kicks are too difficult to control and only end up damaging your partner in class or competition. The use of some of these kicks can even result in injury to your own foot or leg. These kicks cannot be found in Shotokan kata or traditional kumite and, therefore, are not really considered as part of the modern Shotokan system.
Strikes can be quite diverse and are usually performed with different parts of the hand or arm. Each striking technique can impact a target from a multitude of directions and angles, making strikes a karateka’s most versatile weapon. Strikes are most useful against smaller, more specific targets and, as such, require good accuracy. Only those with a basic knowledge of human anatomy will find truly effective uses for striking techniques. They are extremely dangerous and should be practiced with utmost control. As mentioned previously, most of the striking techniques can also be quite effective as blocks as well.
Roundhouse-house strikes, or mawashi-uchi, include all of the circular attacks. Roundhouse strikes travel in an arc towards their target. In most cases, if the arc is travelling downwards toward the floor, the strike is referred to as tate (vertical), as in kentsui-tate-mawashi-uchi. If the arc moves in a sideways or horizontal motion, it is called yoko, as in uraken-yoko-mawashi-uchi. Keep in mind that some of the following techniques, especially teisho, can also be used in a linear manner, as in teisho-zuki. Because of their circular nature, mawashi-uchi are very useful for circumventing an opponent’s guard.
These extremely advanced strikes are often very neglected. These techniques are most likely remnants of the animal forms that stem from the influence of kung fu, during the early years of karate’s development. They occur only in very high-level kata. Two of the strikes, kumade and kakuto, do not appear in any Shotokan kata at all. These attacks (or if used as blocks) are useful to strike an opponent’s kyusho points, or vital areas.
These two techniques are often referred to as ate, or “smashing” techniques. Ate-waza are techniques usually delivered with the elbow or knee and are known as very powerful attacks. They are not used to pinpoint small targets, but rather to shatter whatever their intended target may be. Although knee strikes come in a limited variety, elbow strikes can have a multitude of angles and directions. Knees and elbows are excellent tools for close range combat and are very popular in street self-defence.
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