shotokankarateonline

I must admit that when I first observed certain energetic characteristics that emerge in the process of generating force within karate technique I focused mainly on final stage of the movement (kime). Even though I was aware of distinct phases within each technique I didn’t realize the extent to which the direction of spiraling force reflects the energy involved in the process and not just the mental intention leading to kime. That somewhat imbalanced approach made me miss crucial aspect of the energy transfer within the body, while intense nature of kime itself and subtle character of mind/body connection in general posed additional challenge. In my defense, I believe it is reasonable for the scientific approach to involve some trial and error. Different pieces of the puzzle finally fit together when I realized that the polarity of energy lines changes during technique and is determined mainly by the nature of creating energy within movement, the process which involves...

Gyaku-zuki or revers punch is one of the first moves that a karateka will learn, early on in their karate practice. This punch is very strong, an advanced karateka combining great technique, kime (focus), timing, body weight and body rotation, can deliver a devastating blow with this karate technique! There are several ways to practice reverse punch, the basic principles remain the same, the differences come when applying the punch. When practicing karate kihon, karateka will more often than not, take up a long zenkutsu-dachi (front stance), when practicing kumite (sparring), the stance will be higher and shorter in length. With a basic reverse punch from front stance, both arms are utilised. So as the punching arm begins it's forward motion, the hikite (pulling arm) begins it's pull back. In self defense, this is not a good idea, so for sparring and self defense, regarding the arms, just the punching arm is used. Description Below Related To The Gyaku-zuki Video Tu...

Here is a kumite exercise working on simultaneous block and counter strikes with a fast strike immediately after the block and a take down on the fourth combination. The attacker punches with a left kizami zuki (jab punch), the defender blocks and strikes simultaneously, soto uke (outsideblock) and gyaku zuki (reverse punch). The blocking hand can be closed or open. As soon as the reverse punch lands, immediately use the blocking arm to Strike uraken uchi (back fist strike) to the side of the neck or jaw. The second combination has the same attack kizami zuki (jab punch), followed by the same defence outside forearm block reverse punch. This time the blocking arm immediately strikes tettsui (bottom fist), the third combination is exactly the same with kizami zuki (jab punch) and a simultaneous block and counter punch. But this time the blocking arm strikes with shuto uchi (knife hand strike). On the fourth and final combination the attacker attacks gyaku zuki jodan (r...

A simple striking combination on the focus pads using single strikes. Striking karateka starts from left fighting stance. Strike the first pad with a right teisho uchi (palm heel strike), drive from the right leg Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a left teisho uchi (palm heel strike). Step back with the right leg, then drive in with the left leg and strike with a right heito uchi (ridge hand strike). Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a right shuto uchi (knife hand strike). Immediately follow the shuto uchi with a left heito uchi (ridge hand strike). Step back with the right leg, then drive in with the left leg and strike with a left shuto uchi (knife hand strike). Immediately follow the shuto uchi with a right gyaku zuki (reverse punch). Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a left gyaku zuki (reverse punch). Step back with the right leg...

A simple oi zuki exercise that's really good for target and distance training

How to form a correct karate fist Seiken (fore-fist)

This shotokan kumite exercise consists of three gyaku zuki (reverse punch) attacks, with 3 simultaneous block/reverse punch counters. This is a really good shotokan exercise for timing. This exercise works on the ‘shock attack’. Start slowly, then gradually pick up the speed, until the attacker can add in dummy and feigns before the attacks are launched

 A good exercise for front leg round house or mae mawashi geri. 1. Both karateka start from left fighting stance. 2. First person kick three left leg mae ashi mawashi geri, be sure to touch the target and try not to let the arms move out from the body. mae ashi mawashi geri 3. Second person kick three left leg mae ashi mawashi geri, be sure to touch the target and try not to let the arms move out from the body. 4. First person kick three left leg mae ashi mawashi geri, after each kick land and execute gyaku zuki (reverse punch). 5. Second person kick three left leg mae ashi mawashi geri, after each..... Click Here for the rest of the article

Here is a good shotokan karate back kick exercise to stop the karateka over spinning when executing ushiro geri or back kick

Kihon requirements for 9th kyu orange belts taking 8th kyu red belt. I know grading systems do vary from shotokan dojo to dojo,

Bassai Dai translates as “To storm a fortress” and is practiced in many styles of karate. There are many variations of the original Passai, which was the original name for Bassai.  It is believed that there were two versions of Passai practiced on Okinawa. Karate master, Sokon Matsumrua brought one Passai kata to Okinawa, from China and the other was taught to Okan Oyadomari on Okinawa, by a Sokon MatsumruaChinese martial artist, who resided there. The one we are referring to here, is the shotokan Bassai Dai, which many believe came from the Okan Oyadomari lineage. In many shotokan karate dojo, Bassai dai is the first intermediate brown belt kata that a new brown belt karateka practices. Many shotokan karateka use Bassai dai to test for all their brown belt examinations and indeed, the coveted black belt test. The first move in the kata, epitomizes the whole kata. A very strong move, driving forward off the left leg, with a knee attack and strike. This karate kata also has ...

Jyu ippon kumite is a shotokan brown belt or 3rd kyu level kumite. The attacks in jyu ippon kumite are pre arranged at brown belt, then advancing to any attack at black belt. Most Shotokan jyu ippon kumite is practiced at long range, with attacks, oizuki jodan, oizuki chudan, mae geri, yoko geri kekomi, mawashi geri and ushiro geri. Some shotokan dojo, add other attacks, such as kizamizuki and gyakuzuki. This shotokan kumite can also be practiced at medium or close range, moving or stationary, with or without hikite on the attacks and counters.  For the first time, moving and feigning can be used while attacking and defending. Many shotokan dojo put a strong emphasise on this sparring and say that, if practiced correctly, the karateka should never have a problem in a self defense scenario.

A really good mae geri or front kick exercise. Travel the length of the belt slowly, using muscle control throughout. There are a few different front kick variations, this exercise applies to nearl all the different variations and can really benefit your front kick.