”Shotokan” is considered the first style of modern Karate (created by Gichin Funakoshi. Practitioners use steady, powerful movements and center themselves in all stances. ”Goju-Ryu” is a style that incorporates Chinese Kempo techniques and incorporates hard linear moves and soft circular moves that combine like yin yang. Movements are generally slower with a focus on breath.
Kihon (Basic techniques) Kata (Form or pattern) Bunkai (Study of techniques encoded in kata or “kata application”) Kumite (Free Sparring).
Karate focuses on striking moves with and on open-handed techniques. Karate combinations involve the use of punches, kicking, knee, and elbow strikes. Other martial arts involve different fighting techniques and the use of weapons. Aikido focuses on evasion, joint locks, joint breaks, throws and controls. Judo focuses on throws and some grappling while taking your opponent to the ground. Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art which has various styles that are inspired by animal movements, or by Chinese philosophies, and work to improve muscle and cardiovascular fitness. While several martial arts use a ranking system depicted by a belt or sash, Karate has a specific system of colored belts. White represents the beginner with black representing an advanced level. [2] X Research source
Often you will do drills for your Sensei that may seem dull and boring, however, these blocks, punches, and kicks are vital to being able to perform Karate proficiently. The basics include blocks, strikes, kicks, and different stances. [4] X Expert Source Derrek HofrichterSelf Defense Specialist Expert Interview. 26 January 2021. Students will practice these basic techniques repeatedly so they become ingrained in the body and mind.
Each kata is built around a different angle so you can counter against punches and kicks that might be directed at your head, torso, or legs. [6] X Expert Source Derrek HofrichterSelf Defense Specialist Expert Interview. 26 January 2021. Kata is a way for teachers to pass along knowledge of techniques used in Karate. As a student, you will learn to perform a series of blocks, strikes, throws, movements, and kicks together with kata.
In bunkai, you analyze every movement in a given kata and develop possible applications in real combat situations. Bunkai is a transition step to kumite. The concept of bunkai can be a little hard to understand because it involves you using kata to “fight” and “defend” yourself against an opponent that isn’t there. Think of it like using ballet steps being combined into a single choreographed dance which tells a story.
In kumite, you learn to apply kihon and bunkai in a controlled environment. Kumite is one step closer to real combat, in that two practitioners will attempt to perform moves on each other. Kumite is sometimes performed in turns, or in Du Kumite which is another step towards free fighting with a points system sometimes applied to certain attacks.
Always hit with your first two knuckles, and make sure that your elbow is not locked, because you may overextend it and get hurt. Pull the fist that isn’t punching back to your waist as you punch. This is called Hikite and if timed correctly, your punch will be stronger and sharper (push, pull effect). Incorporate kiai. Kiai is broken down into Ki, meaning energy, and Ai, meaning join. It is the sound you often hear when someone makes an attacking movement such as a punch. The purpose of kiai to release your stored energy, creating a greater impact on you attack. [9] X Research source
Upper rising block (Jodan Age Uke) Middle block (“Chudan Age Uke) Downward block (Gedan Age Uke)
Front kick (Mae Geri), hit with the ball of the foot Side kick (Yoko Geri), hit with the blade of your foot, toes pointing down Roundhouse kick (Mawashi Geri), hit with the ball of the foot, curl your toes up and try to turn your foot sideways Hook kick (Ura Mawashi Geri), reverse roundhouse kick. Back kick (Ushiro Geri) this is a kick behind you, make sure you look where you’re kicking and hit with the heel
