Karate is an ancient martial art developed from Japanese and Chinese martial arts. Karate is very popular all over the world, and has many variations. Understanding the basic practice of Karate can be done by learning the terms and techniques of this martial art.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Different Types of Karate Style
Step 1. Know the various styles of Karate
This martial art has its roots in China, but developed rapidly in Okinawa, Japan in the 1600s as a method of self-defense due to the prohibition of the use of weapons. Karate means "empty hands". There are many types of Karate, ranging from traditional, to modern western styles commonly referred to as American Freestyle Karate (American Freestyle Karate), and Full Contact Karate (Sport Karate), but many of the basic techniques are similar. Some of the popular Karate styles include:
- "Shotokan" is considered the first technique in modern Karate and is one of the most used styles today. This style uses strong, firm movements and focuses on a deep stance.
- "Goju-Ryu" is a style that combines the Chinese Kempo technique in the form of a combination of straight and soft hard movements that are circular like yin and yang. The movement of this style is usually slower and focuses on breathing.
Step 2. Understand the elements of karate
Practicing karate usually involves 4 aspects or fundamentals. These fundamentals are the different movements that make up the combinations and techniques practiced in Karate.
- Kihon (Basic Technique)
- Words (Attitudes or patterns)
- Bunkai (Study of technique in kata, or "application of words")
- Kumite (match practice).
Step 3. Understand the difference between Karate and other martial arts
People often find it difficult to distinguish between different types of martial arts, and the names are often confused. Karate is often confused with other martial arts because it has many similar techniques.
- Karate focuses on attacking movements with an emphasis on open hand techniques. While Karate also has kicks, most Karate combinations involve punches, knee strikes, and elbows.
- Other martial arts involve various fighting techniques and the use of weapons. Aikido and Judo are two martial arts that focus on defeating an opponent by slamming him to the ground. Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that has various styles that take inspiration from animal movements, or Chinese philosophy, and are practiced to improve muscle and heart fitness.
- While some martial arts use a ranking system marked with belts, Karate has a special system of colored belts. White means beginner, and black means master.
Part 2 of 3: Learning Karate Basics
Step 1. Understand kihon
Kihon means "basic technique", and is the foundation of Karate. Through “kihon”, you learn how to hit, block, kick and move in Karate.
- You will often drill according to Sensei's direction which seems boring. However, all the blocks, punches and kicks you make are important in order to be able to do Karate proficiently.
- The basic moves of Karate include blocks, punches, kicks, and various stances. Karate students will perform this basic technique over and over again until it is embedded in their body and mind.
Step 2. Develop the word
The word means “attitude” and builds on the basic techniques that have been learned. In kata, you learn to combine basic techniques into smooth, flowing movements.
- Each word is built around a specific fighting strategy so you can understand and practice dealing with imaginary opponents.
- Kata is your teacher's way of teaching the art of fighting with Karate. As a student, you'll learn to do different sets of blocks, punches, slams, moves, and kicks together with the word.
Step 3. Train the bunkai
Bunkai means "analysis" or "decoding", and is a mutual cooperation to understand the use of the word in real combat.
- In bunkai, you analyze every move in a kata and develop its application in real combat. Bunkai is a transitional step to kumite.
- The concept of bunkai will be difficult to understand because it involves using the words to "attack" and "defense" against an unreal opponent. Think of bunkai like ballet steps combined into a single choreography that tells a story.
Step 4. Learn kumite
Kumite means sparring, and educating students to practice the techniques learned against each other, and often in the form of tournaments.
- In kumite, you learn how to apply kihon and bunkai in a controlled environment. Kumite is close to a real fight as two students will try to apply the techniques learned against each other.
- Kumite is sometimes carried out in turns, or in Du Kumite, a free fight that uses a point system for certain attacks.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Basic Movements
Step 1. Know how to do basic strokes
Karate punches are straight strokes with a twist of the wrist near the point of impact.
- Always hit with the first two knuckles, and make sure your elbows aren't locked so they don't go too long and hurt you.
- Pull the non-hitting fist into the pelvis when hitting. This move is called Hikite and if your timing is right, your punches will be stronger and sharper.
- Include kiai. Kiai is broken down into Ki, which means energy, and Ai, which means join. Kiai is the sound you often hear when someone makes a movement, such as a punch. The kiai's goal is to release the stored energy so that your impact becomes stronger.
Step 2. Understand the basic blocks
Since Karate is usually used as a self-defense tool, and not for attack, there are some basic blocking techniques that you will learn to protect yourself in all situations.
- Top block (Age Uke)
- Middle block (Yoko Uke for inside-out attacks, and Yoko Uchi for outside-in attacks)
- Lower block (Gedan Barai)
Step 3. Perform basic kicks
While Karate means "open arms", and is primarily used for self-defense, kicking techniques are also used for various reasons such as keeping your distance from your opponent, or as an alternative option when your upper body is unable to attack because you have to block or parry an attack.
- Front kick (Mae Geri), hit with the base of the toes.
- Side kick (Yoko Geri), hit with the sole of the foot, toes pointing down.
- Roundhouse kick (Mawashi Geri), hit with the base of your toes, bend your toes up, and try to turn your foot sideways.
- Hook kick (Ura Mawashi Geri), reverse roundhouse kick.
- Back kick (Ushiro Geri) kicks the opponent behind you. Make sure you see the target of the kick and hit with the heel of the foot.
Tips
- Don't forget: the secret to mastering advanced techniques is the foundation and mastery of a strong basic technique first.
- Always stretch before exercising.
- There are two types of strokes: forward and reverse. A forward stroke is hitting with the same side as your front foot (leading side). reverse stroke is hitting with the side opposite to the front foot (trailing side).
- Always watch your attitude. A low and short stance is best.
- Exhale as you hit or block. Exhalation will increase the strength of your movement.
- Use more punches than kicks. The soul of Karate lies in the punches and not the kicks.
- Never hit your opponent with all your might while practicing Karate. You must not injure your practice partner.
- Focus on your actions, and not on others. If someone else does something wrong, don't correct it. Perhaps, you also do the same. Let Sensei (teacher) or Senpai (senior) educate the students.
- Don't forget to do the kiai (shout). The scream must be strong and powerful, and come from the hara, just below the navel.
Warning
- Don't hit other people without permission. This is not only impolite, but also dangerous because an unprepared person could be injured when attacked.
- If you have any physical complications, consult your doctor before taking a Karate class
- Don't play around. You're just wasting your time and that of others and risk hurting yourself and others. Martial arts techniques are designed to injure others, and should not be taken lightly.
