basic techniques:
The foundation of karate
A solid foundation in the basics forms reliable fighting techniques that will not fail you under pressure. Rigorous training in hand and leg techniques performed from a horse stance, as well as moving line sets, develops proper footwork, timing, and superior leg strength.
the four pillars of training
Body Dynamics:
Body Dynamics, or the Motions of Opposite, are trademark movements seen in classical Karate, primarily visible during solo practice. This is exemplified by the hand chambered at the waist or torso level, known as Hikite (pulling backhand). The Hikite hand is often used to grab an opponent’s arm, allowing for control and leverage against their limb, often combined with a strike or punch. Hikite can also be employed to clear an opponent's arm out of the way to facilitate a hit and can be utilized for joint locks and throws.
Structure:
The structure involves achieving proper skeletal alignment to maximize the effectiveness of each movement while using your muscles efficiently. This is accomplished through maintaining a straight spine, adopting proper stances, executing agile footwork, and ensuring appropriate arm proximities to effectively absorb and project power.
Frames:
The Frames postures of Karate are typically demonstrated during Kata (solo form practice), with hands held in various positions around the upper body: Low/Middle, Middle/High, or High/Low. These positions are primarily used for close-range applications, including guarding against strikes, throwing an opponent, or performing standing choking or submission techniques.
Footwork:
One cannot discuss footwork in Karate without mentioning its famous Horse Stance (Kiba-Dachi), along with two other main stances: Front Stance (Zenkutsu-Dachi) and Back Stance (Kokutsu-Dachi). The term “stance” or "shifting leg stance" implies that you are not fixed in space; rather, you are constantly moving, shifting your leg weight forward, backward, or into a neutral position. Each of these stances promotes rapid, stable movements that enhance evasive maneuvers during combat and create angles to maximize your force while minimizing the opponent's strength.
Once these principles are fully understood, you can effectively employ Karate’s powerful punches, kicks, and throws, bringing them into a live and functional fighting form. Proven over centuries, the skill and strength of the practitioner are always evident through a solid understanding of the basics and, most importantly, Kata. Many so-called great masters who specialize solely in flashy techniques have been defeated in combat by those who possess a strong grasp of the basics and the fighting spirit embodied in Kata.