Karate is an ancient martial art that originated in Japan and China and whose roots lie in self-defense techniques. It has become very popular all over the world and there are many different styles of it. It is possible to understand and practice the basics by learning the techniques and terms used in this martial art.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Different Styles of Karate
Step 1. Learn about styles
This martial art originated in China, but was widely developed in Okinawa, Japan, in the seventeenth century as a method of self-defense, as laws prevented the possession of weapons at the time. The term karate can be translated as "empty hand". There are many styles of karate, from traditional to modern western ones, generally known as American Freestyle Karate, Full-Contact Karate and Sports Karate. However, the basic techniques remain invariant. Here are some of the more popular styles:
- "Shotokan" is considered the first modern karate technique and is currently the most used. Karateka perform constant, powerful movements and keep the center of gravity low by assuming the position of the rider.
- "Cha Yon Ryu" is a modern style that incorporates kicking techniques, solid postures, parries and linear strikes with very direct movements.
- "Goju-Ryu" includes the techniques of Chinese Kempo, firm linear movements and other softer circular movements that combine with each other such as yin and yang. Gestures are generally slower and great attention is paid to breathing.
Step 2. Understand the elements of karate
Training in this martial art usually involves four aspects, or fundamentals. These are different forms of movements which, when combined together, constitute the set of karate techniques.
- Kihon (basic techniques);
- Kata (forms or patterns);
- Bunkai (study of the techniques encoded in the kata);
- Kumite (combat).
Step 3. Learn the differences between karate and other martial arts
People often confuse the various martial arts styles by mistaking their names as well. It is not difficult to confuse karate with other practices, because there are many similar techniques.
- Karate focuses on impressive movements that are performed with emphasis and open hand techniques. Although kicks are also involved, most combinations of this martial art consist of punches, knees and elbows.
- The other martial arts involve different fighting techniques and also the use of weapons. Aikido and judo are two practices whose purpose is to throw the opponent to the ground through holds. Kung fu is a Chinese martial art with many different styles that is inspired by the movements of animals or by the same Chinese philosophy; training is aimed at improving muscle tone and cardiovascular capacity.
- Although many martial arts have a hierarchy represented by belts or sashes, karate follows a specific color system of belts. The white belt identifies the beginner, while the black one indicates a teacher.
Part 2 of 3: Learning the Basic Fundamentals of Karate
Step 1. Learn kihon
This term can be translated with the expression "basic techniques" and represents the foundation on which the entire martial art is developed. During kihon you learn how to strike, block and kick in karate.
- You will have to perform many exercises under the supervision of your Sensei; these may seem boring and silly to you, but such blocks, punches and kicks are vital to being able to practice karate correctly.
- The basic movements include parries, strikes, kicks and various positions. Students have to repeat these gestures several times until they take root in the body and mind.
Step 2. Develop the kata
The translation of this term could be "form" and is based on the techniques you learned in the previous step. Thanks to the kata you will learn to combine the basic movements by performing fluid movements.
- Each kata has been built around a specific fighting strategy that you must learn and that you must perform against an imaginary opponent.
- Kata is the means by which masters convey knowledge of the practical applications of karate. As a student you will be asked to learn a series of blocks, strikes, throws, moves and kicks to be performed in the kata.
Step 3. Practice bunkai
This word means "analysis" or "disassemble" and plans to collaborate with other karateka to understand how to apply kata in the real world.
- In bunkai, you learn to analyze each movement encoded in the kata and develop its possible applications in real combat situations. Bunkai is the transition phase to kumite.
- The concept of bunkai is not very easy to grasp, because it involves using the kata to "fight" and "defend" against an opponent who is not present. Imagine using the dance steps to combine them into a choreography which in turn tells a story.
Step 4. Learn kumite
This term means fighting and allows students to practice the techniques they have learned by fighting against each other, often even during tournaments.
- During kumite, you learn to use kihon and bunkai in a controlled environment. Kumite is very close to real combat and the two karateka perform the moves against each other.
- Kumite is also performed in turns, in this case we speak of Du Kumite and is a step towards free combat with a scoring system that is sometimes awarded for certain attacks.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Basic Movements
Step 1. Learn to throw punches
Karate uses direct punching techniques with a twist of the wrist near the point of impact.
- You must always hit the target with the first two knuckles and check that the elbow is not blocked, as you could stretch it excessively and hurt yourself.
- Bring the non-hitting punch close to the belt as you attack with the other hand. This movement is called hikite and, if done with the right synchronous, makes the blow stronger and more incisive.
- Add the kiai. This word is divided into two syllables: Ki, which means energy, and Ai, which means union. This is the sound you can hear when someone makes an attack motion such as a punch. The purpose of kiai is to release the energy accumulated by the karateka by increasing the impact strength of the attack.
Step 2. Learn basic parries
Since the main function of karate is self-defense and not offense, there are a number of basic techniques to block the opponent's attack that you must learn to protect yourself in any situation.
- High block (Age Uke).
- Side block (Yoko Uke for outward saves and Yoko Uchi for inward saves).
- Low parade (Gedan Barai).
Step 3. Perform basic kicks
Although karate is an "open hand" martial art that is used for self-defense, it still involves a series of kicks that are delivered for various reasons, such as to keep the aggressor at a distance or as an alternative when the upper part of the body cannot move because it has to parry or dodge a blow.
- The front kick (Mae Geri) allows you to strike with the front of the ball of the foot.
- The side kick (Yoko Geri) involves contact with the side of the foot keeping the toes pointed down.
- To perform a circular kick (Mawashi Geri), you must hit the opponent with the front of the sole of the foot while keeping the toes curled and turning the foot to the side.
- The Hook Kick (Ura Mawashi Geri) is a reverse circle kick.
- A back kick (Ushiro Geri) allows you to hit an opponent from behind, check where you are going to hit and use the heel as the hitting zone.
Advice
- Always stretch before exercising.
- Always pay close attention to the posture that needs to be gathered and make sure you have a low center of gravity.
- Remember: the secret to mastering advanced techniques lies in fundamental solids and excellent preparation with basic practices.
- Remember the kiai (shout / scream). You must make a loud and powerful sound that comes from the hara, just below the navel.
- There are two types of punches: straight and opposite. The first is launched with the hand on the same side of the front foot; the opposite one is thrown with the hand of the opposite side with respect to the front foot.
- When you are learning karate, never attack anyone with all your might. You should never hurt your training partner.
- Focus on your own actions and not those of others. If someone makes mistakes, don't try to correct them, because you are probably wrong too. Let your teacher, Sensei or Senpai (senior), do the teaching.
- Try to use punches more than kicks, because the true spirit of karate relies on the hands and not the feet.
- Exhale each time you strike or equal a blow. This way your movements are much stronger.
Warnings
- If you have any physical problems, see a doctor before taking karate lessons.
- Don't hit anyone without first asking for permission. This is not only rude, but potentially dangerous, as there is a greater chance of injury if the person is unprepared and is taken by surprise.
- Don't act silly. In this way you would waste your time and that of your teachers; eventually you may even harm yourself or others. Martial arts are self-defense techniques, but they can hurt people and shouldn't be taken lightly.
