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Basics

The basics are the foundation on which we build. By constant repetition we can begin to understand and improve the techniques that are taught. As well constant repetition of various combinations and moves results in body memory, so that a response becomes a reflex action. Below is a chart of each of the basic motions that are required at each belt level.

White Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
Heiko Dachi (Natural)
Zenkutsu Dachi (Forward)
Sanchin Dachi (Hourglass)
"Fighting Stance" 		Gedan Barai (Lower)
Jodan Uke (Upper)
Chudan Uke (Middle)
Soto Uke (Outside-in) 		Oi Zuki (Front Punch)
Gyaki Zuki (Reverse Punch)
Teisho (Open Palm Strike)

Hiza Geri (Knee)
Fumikomi Geri (Foot Stomp)
Kinsetsu Geri (Knee)
Yellow Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
Shiko Dachi (Horse Stance) Kake Uke (Sweeping)

 Rekken (Back Fist)
Augi Zuki (Upper Cut)
Kyagi Zuki (Hook Punch)
Empei (Elbow)

Mae Geri Kiagi (Front Snap)
Mae Geri Kikomi (Front Thrust)
Yoko Geri (Side)

Orange Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
Niko Ashi Dachi (Cat Stance) Mawashi Uke (Circular) Shuto (Ridge Hand)
Haito (Inside Ridge Hand) 		Mawashi Geri (Round House)
Mikazuki Geri (Hook)
Green Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
Kiba Dachi Teisho (Palm Block)
Tetsui (Hammer Fist)
Ashi Barai (Foot Sweep)
Blue Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
    Nukite (Finger Peircing)
Ushiro Geri (Back Kick)
Gyaki Mawashi Geri (Reverse Round House)
Brown Belt
Stances Blocks Strikes Kicks
    Mawashi Zuki (Circular Strike)
Kakei Zuki		 Mae Tobi Geri (Jumping Front Kick)
Yoko Tobi Geri (Jumping Side Kick)
       

The Basic Fist

The most popular way to make a fist is to fold the thumb tightly over the first two fingers. The fist starts in chamber with the palm up and then as the punch is executed, the fist turns to a palm down position directly in the centre line of the body.

The correct way - thumb does not extend past the finger, which is kept straight at the last knuckle. This is because reaching too far back with the thumb stretches and weakens the back of the hand. The punch starts in chamber with the palm up but as the punch is executed it rotates only ¾ of a turn.

The ¾ punch is skeletally stronger, the bones are actually aligned straight, with no cross over and the muscles are at the point of maximum efficiency. This means the wrist will be better supported on impact and more capable of transferring energy into the target.

Arm
Rib cage
Wrist rotation


Gichin Funakoshi – Karate-do Nyumon
  1. since karate is a martial art, you must practice with the utmost seriousness from the very beginning
  2. try to do exactly as you are taught without complaining or quibbling
  3. when you learn a new technique, practice it wholeheartedly until you truly understand it
  4. don’t try to show off
  5. remember that you must always have a deep regard for courtesy

Developing Skill
Herman Kauz – The Martial Sprit

Students are taught to move in ways that sometimes appear difficult and even unnatural at first. Learning to move in a manner suggested by their teacher may call for placing the feet and legs in positions that feel uncomfortable, using the hands in unaccustomed or unusual ways and maintaining a perpendicular body despite its desire to incline in various directions. Nevertheless, as he persists in his efforts he will gradually overcome his deficiencies and his body will respond to his direction as it should.


Practice
Elmar Schmeisser – Advanced Karate-do

One thing should be kept in mind: If a technique is practised intensively but incorrectly, the trainee will become very good at doing it very wrongly; the errors will become ingrained and very difficult to correct. First understand the movements, second, visualise them as clearly as possible…While there are differences in the execution of individual techniques resulting from unavoidable differences in each students body structure, there are certain principles that are basic to all movement, and these should not be violated. Correct large errors first, make sure they stay corrected. Details come later – power much later. Power and Speed arise from correct technique, not the other way around.

York Karate-Do © 1990 - 2006