Each element plays a crucial role to the development of our skills and none
of them can be neglected in the course of your training.
Kihon
Kihon (basic) is the practice of fundamental techniques : blocking, punching,
striking, and kicking. These techniques are the beginning and end of karate -- a
Karateka ( karate student ) may learn them in a matter of months, yet not master
them ever. Hence, basic techniques demand regular practice, applied with as much
concentration and effort as possible. Kihon should be practised remembering the
following ( the late Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama ) form. Balance and stability are
necessary to basic techniques. Kicking ( in which one leg supports the entire
body ) is an example of technique that depends on the Karateka's sense of
balance. Karate movements involve shifting the body's centre of gravity, which
demands good balance and control of the body. In addition, the Karateka requires
stable joints, stances, and posture to deliver (or withstand) maximum impact in
(or from) a blow.
Power and Speed
Karate would be meaningless without Kime. This is the ability to concentrate the
greatest amount of force at the point of attack ( or block ). Those with great
muscular strength do not excel at karate unless they never learn to use their
muscles to the greatest effect.
The Karateka, who excels, does so by maximising his muscular power through
Kime. In addition, the Karateka's power is directly related to the speed of his
techniques. Note however that speed is ineffective without proper control,
concentration and relaxation of power.
The Karateka cannot generate maximum power if his punches rely on the arm's
muscles alone, or his kicks on the leg's muscles alone. The greatest level of
power comes from concentrating all of the Karateka's strength, from every part
of the body, on the target. In addition, the Karateka must generate power
efficiently, using power when and where it is needed. Maximum power is required
only at the point of impact. Until then, the Karateka should stay relaxed and
avoid generating unnecessary power. By tensing the wrong parts of the body or
tensing at the wrong time, the Karateka only diminishes the amount of power that
goes into his block or attack. While he is relaxed, the Karateka should stay
mentally alert. Strengthening muscle power, the Karateka must not only
understand the principles of Kihon, he must give them effect with strong,
elastic muscles. Strong muscles demand constant, earnest training. They also
require the Karateka to know which muscles to use in his techniques :
well-trained muscles will lead to strong and effective karate.
Rhythm and Timing
Karate has its own rhythm that Karateka should come to recognise and understand.
No technique takes place in isolation. In combining basic techniques, the
Karateka should pay attention to the timing of his techniques as well as the
techniques themselves. A master Karateka's movements not only contain a great
deal of power but also rhythm and in their own way, beauty. A sense of rhythm
and timing will help the Karateka understand the techniques and the art of
Karate in general.
Hips
he hips are a crucial, yet an often neglected component in executing karate
techniques. Hip rotation adds power to the upper body, and is thus essential to
strong blocks and punches. The hips' proximity to the body's centre of gravity
makes them the foundation of strong, stable movements, good balance, and proper
form. The Karateka cannot move as smoothly, quickly, or powerfully if the hips
are passive. For this reason, teachers often remind their students to
"block with your hips," "punch with your hips," and
"kick from your hips.
Breathing
The Karateka should coordinate breathing with his techniques. Breathing enhances
the Karateka's ability to relax and concentrate maximum power in his techniques.
Correct breathing, fully exhaling when finishing a strike, for example, is
necessary to developing Kime. The Karateka should not breathe in a uniform
manner; his breathing should change with the situation. Proper inhaling fills
the lungs completely. Proper exhaling leaves the lungs about 20 percent full
while exhaling completely makes the body limp, leaving the Karateka vulnerable
to even a weak attack.
Kata
Kata is a collection of formal exercises. These combine basic karate techniques
of blocking, punching, striking, and kicking, into a series of predetermined
movements. Kata combines offensive and defensive techniques, proper body
movement and changes in direction. Kata teaches the Karateka to dispose of
numerous attackers from at least four directions. Although Kata does not involve
visible opponents, the Karateka, through serious study of the Kata, learns the
art of self-defence and the ability to calmly and efficiently deal with
dangerous situations. For these reasons, the Kata has been the core of karate
training since ancient times. According to Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama, there are
five characteristics of Kata : -
- For each Kata, there are a fixed number of movements. ( The basic Heian
Kata has 20 to 27 movements; advanced Kata can have over 60 ) One must
perform the movements in the correct order.
- One must begin and end the Kata at the same point on the floor. Each Kata
has its own "shape" depending on the Kata. The Karateka may move
along a straight line or a "T" or "I" shaped formation.
- There are Katas that all Karateka must learn, and Katas that are optional.
The former consist of the five Heian Kata and three Tekki Kata. ( Today,
Tekki 2 and Tekki 3 are usually optional ) The optional Katas are Bassai-dai
( although most brown belts practice this for their black belt exam ) and
Bassai-sho, Kanku-dai and Kanku-sho, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Gankaku, Jion.
Other Kata include Meikyo, Chinte, Nijushiho, Gojushiho-dai and
Gojushiho-sho, Hyakuhachiho, Sanchin, Tensho, Unsu, Sochin, Seienchin, Ji'in,
and Wankan.
- There are three aspects to performing a dynamic Kata: (1) correct use of
power; (2) correct speed of movement, be it fast or slow; (3) expansion and
contraction of the body. The Kata's beauty, power, and rhythm depend on
these aspects.
- One bows at the beginning and end of the Kata. Bowing is part of the Kata,
too. Kumite, Kata and Kumite are complementary training methods.
Kumite
In Kata, one learns basic techniques. In Kumite, one applies them with a
sparring partner. The principles of Kihon ( see above ) still apply to Kumite.
The Karateka must apply proper karate techniques, demonstrate correct power and
speed and above all, exercise good control - contact is prohibited. One must
remember that, while Kumite is a useful application of the fundamentals learned
through Kata, it is not a substitute for Kata. There are three types of Kumite :
Basic Kumite, Ippon ( one-step ) Kumite, and Jiyu ( free ) Kumite.
Basic Kumite
Consisting of three step sparring, it is a useful introduction to
sparring for beginner students.
Ippon Kumite
Also involves basic, prearranged techniques, but adds emphasis on body movements
and proper distancing from the opponent.
Jiyu Kumite
The techniques are not prearranged. The Karateka may freely engage his physical
and mental powers, but must strictly control his attacks - contact is
prohibited. The Karateka must be well trained and disciplined enough to make a
powerful blow that stops just before it reaches its target. For these reasons,
only advanced students may practice Jiyu Kumite. Most Karateka learn Jiyu Ippon
Kumite ( a combination of one-step and free sparring ) as brown belts. In this
semi-free form of sparring, both sides must use basic, prearranged techniques
but may act according to their own rhythm and timing. Jiyu Ippon Kumite often
serves as a bridge between Ippon and Jiyu Kumite.