Yasutsune Anko Itasu was born in Shori-no Tobaru in 1830. He was one of those who reached old age, 85 years and managed to become a 'meijin' or a magic mandraguna. The tales of Itosu's might stored in memory of colleagues and opponent who have met him. At the end of his life, Itosu remained nimble and tough when playing karate. Indeed, only physical strength is reduced because of age, but still unmatched.
Itosu learned karate to the famous maestro, Sokon Bushi Matsumura (1796-1889) in Shuri and also learned to Kosaku Matsumora from Tomari. From literature and historical documentation, it is known that Itasu and his best friend, Kanryo Higaonna (1845-1916) of Naha became the main character in the 19th century.
When he's 7th years old, he was directly taught by his own father. His father educates him loudly and it looks cruel to others. Small Itosu often tied up and tethered on a pole. Of course he overwhelmed and cry because he was tethered to the pole, but his father stopped when Itosu was on verge of yhe peak of his anger. That's how he was trained to cultivate the 'fighting spirit' of the samurai way.
After that, Itosu trained by the maestro in earnest. From the beginning, Itosu never escaped daily practice routine from dawn to late at night. Matsumura provides principles of loyalty, obedience, passion and fighting power through very heavy physical and mental exercise. Almost no days, months and years passed without physical and mental training until it was not felt Itosu had eight years of study. As a result, in addition to being full of karate skills, Itosu became tall and strong.
Itosu then taught karate in high school and advanced in Okinawa. Karate has officially entered into the school curriculum. Until sometime, the Japanese and Okinawa martial arts planned a fight between karate and judo to find out which system is best, whether it is a karate from Okinawa, or judo from Japan. Itosu was asked to compete against judoka from Japan. Because it was officially supported by government, Itosu agreed and it is because he want to show that karate is basically a fighting art not a spectacle.
Even though it was his 75th, he was able to fly his challenger with a punch accompanied by a 'ki'. The audience realizes that Itosu is not invincible. He always insisted that karate should only be used when it is really urgent, not to seek fame or lose.
Sensei Funokoshi Gichin is known as the Father of Modern Day Karate and is probably the best-known name in karate history.
He was born in the city of Shuri on the island of Okinawa in 1868 and by the age of 11, Funakoshi was training with the great Okinawan teachers Anko Itosu and Yasutsune Azato.
At this time it was illegal to learn martial arts, though that did not stop him and many others practicing in secret. Around the turn of the century, the art came out into the open and began to be taught in public schools, thanks largely to the efforts of Anko Itosu.
Sensei Funakoshi Gichin and Japan
By the time Funakoshi was an adult he excelled in karate, so much so that when the Crown Prince of Japan, Hirohito, visited Okinawan, Funakoshi was chosen to perform a demonstration for him.
When the Japanese Ministry of Education held a demonstration of karate in Tokyo a year later in 1992, the Okinawan Department of Education who he worked for as a school teacher asked him to be the one to perform it and introduce the art of Japan; when he did, a new era in the history of the martial art was born.
The Japanese were so impressed that he was asked to stay in the country to further demonstrate and teach his art. This began with an invitation from Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, who asked Funakoshi to demonstrate karate in front of over hundred of his students.
After this, the request kept coming so Master Funokoshi decided to move to Japan permanently. He quickly gained students in the universities in and around Tokyo and soon he had enough interest to start his own dojo. Sensei Funakoshi Gichin's Development of Karate Sensei Funakoshi Gichin earned the title the Father of Modern Day Karate in a number of ways. One was that he adapted the training methods so that they could be more easily practiced by everybody, regardless of age, ability or sex.
He also made karate more accessible to the Japanese by changing the meaning of the word 'Kara'. Originally, the meaning used was 'Chinese' with 'Te' meaning 'hand' but the characters used for Kara could also mean 'empty' in Japanese. As this fitted the style so well and because karate had developed to be very different from the Chinese styles, it became the new meaning of the word. He also changed the name of many of the kata, again making them more acceptable to a Japanese culture that hated everything that was Chinese.
Amongst his more prominent beliefs was Funokoshi's conviction that the best martial arts exponents should be so confident that they had nothing to prove about their fighting prowess. the true arts was found in subduing an opponent without fighting, echoing the teachings of the legendary samurai Tsukahara Bokuden from over 400 years previously.
In 1995, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi made another momentous contribution to the karate world when he was instrumental in founding the Japanese Karate Association (JKA). Funakoshi was the chief instructor but unfortunately, the great master died not long after in 1957.
However, through his most senior students such as Hidetaka Nishiyama and Masatoshi Nakayam, Shotokan karate lived on and grew. Today, it is practiced by millions of students and is a famous fighting system, respected and feared throughout the world.
" The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants'' - Funakoshi Gichin-
Karate is the Asian form of material art. It was developed in Okinawa (Japan) in the early twentieth century. Karate is basically unarmed martial arts discipline employing kicking, striking and defensive blocking with arms and legs. With time, several karate style came into existence, including traditional as well as modern styles.
Karate can be divided into two forms - Okinawan Karate and Japanese Karate. As the name suggests, Okinawan Karate developed in Okinawa meanwhile Japanese Karate developed in Japan. Even though, Okinawa is in Japan but both of the karate form is having differences in their techniques and moves. Okinawa Karate has a lot of high stances opposed to Japanese karate which involves low and short stances and can often feel 'forced' especially for tall people and tend to be painful for kness/feet or back (particularly if done wrong)! Okinawa Karate is ideal for lazy people , who dont want to take much effort. It is a perfect self defense tool, as it involves practical, quick and effortless moves, just like everyday stances.
When Karate was introduced to Japan, many things changed. For example, people started competing. Most people dont know this, but Japanese karate practitioners actually changed many kata and added tons of new kumite techniques, for the sole purpose of scoring points in competitions. But in Okinawan, Karate is not a sport. It is a lifestyle.Karate's heritage is everywhere in Okinawa, and its become a natural part of their cultural identity,thatis simply make sense to compete in karate.
Next, we have something called 'tuidi',while Japanese karate approaches combat from a long distance range, Okinawan karate prefers a close range. Here's where tuidi comes to play. Tuidi is the Okinawan method of grabing, seizing, twisting and dislocating an opponent's joints. Quite naturally, this aspects of combat also involves other nasty things like choking, unbalancing, throwing, trapping hands, hiting pressure points and nerve bundles. These things are rarely taught in regular Jaoanese karate classes. It is because Japanese Karate was heavily influenced by pre-existing martial traditions when it was introduced from Okinawa. The original, short, fighting range was changed to a longer one and concepts like "maai" (engagement distancing) were borrowed straight from Japanese samurai words fencing (Kendo). Therefore, the concept of 'tuidi' is not important in Japanese Karate, but in Okinawan Karate it is still being practiced. A common Okinawan exercise for practising tuidi is called 'kakie' a sensory flow drill, often called "pushing hands" in the West.
HELLO EVERYONE! Today, we will be explaining about the equipment needed during the Karate match.
SUITS & UNIFORMS (THE GI)
The Gi refers to the white cotton suit worn by all karate competitors. Whether you’re a lowly beginner just finding your feet, or a martial arts professional, the Gi is the universally accepted suit that all karateka must wear. Designed to match the ‘cleansing’ qualities of the sport, the Gi originates from judo and didn’t become an official part of the karate uniform until 1939. A light and hard-wearing Gi should be relatively inexpensive. Just remember, they’re meant to be worn baggy but make sure you don’t go over-the-top!
HAND PROTECTOR
Hand protection tool for Karate self-defense is a martial gear that serves as a protective device for the hand. Hand protection tool for Hand Protection or glove for martial arts gloves is useful for protecting bones and wrists while competing. Tokaido WKF Approved Hand Protector is a protective sleeve for the right hand for the Kumite competition. Tokaido WKF Approved Hand Protector Cheap Martial.
FOOTWEAR PROTECTION
Foot protective device functions to protect the legs of the shin from impact, puncture slip or fall during karate match. Examples of Shin Guard tools for Karate are safety shoes and shin guards. Maestro Shin Guard shield protective device is able to protect the feet / dry bones because it consists of quality materials. Furthermore, the Kumate Karate Shoe from Tokaido WKF Approved Shin / In-Step Guard is a martial art tool to protect the legs as a whole.
FACE SHIELD
Helmet and face shield protective function is to protect the face and head from the collision or fell while competing Karate. Face and head protection for martial arts should be made of PVC or EVA foam resistant to high temperature and voltage changes and anti-strike. Comfortable head shields are easy to set with Velcro according to head size.
FEMALE CHEST PROTECTOR
Useful for protecting unwanted incidents towards chest and breasts during a match. Female Chest Protector is a self-protection that must be used during the fight. Female Chest Protector sections consist of a customizable bra and a rigid, flexible EPE shell that also protects the armpits.
OBI (BELT)
The Karate Belt is one of the compulsory equipment for Kumite or a match. Useful for tying clothes to be comfortable when worn. Karate belts are available in 6 colors: white, yellow, green, red, blue, and black.
BODY ARMOUR
Body Protector Karate is an additional protective clothing for Karate serves to protect the body from the danger of extreme heat or cold temperature, collision, able to protect the breastbone and friction. Body Protector Karate is used in the Karate / Dogi shirt and is designed for the effect of the blow to the chest and the side of the body can be further reduced. This equipment must be used especially during the game. Body Protector Karate should also be comfortable when worn, protected by a lightweight foam and resistant to scratches.
GUM SHIELD
In some game, the use of a dental shield becomes a necessity. Gum Shield serves to protect the tooth from a hard impact that can make gum injury and tooth loss. GumShield is made of a flexible plastic material that is useful to protect the tooth parts to avoid injury.
GROIN GUARD
Groin guard is to protect male and female groin area. Groin guard will avoid low blow injuries to the groin and kidneys.
A karate practitioner wears in general a white uniform, called `karategi’ or `dōgi`.
It is sometimes erroneously referred to as a `kimono`, which actually is a traditional Japanese piece of clothing item. The white uniform consists out of long sleeved pants and a long sleeved jacket. The jacket is closed with a black, white or colored belt. The color of the belt shows the rank of the wearer.The order in which the colors of the belts are given depends on the style, and even differs sometimes between karate clubs. This order can mostly be divided into two categories: the `traditional` stylesand the `full contact` styles. The most common order of the colored belts from beginner to higher level for the `traditional` styles is: white, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown.
The most common order for the `full contact` styles is: white, blue, yellow, green and brown. Each color equals a rank or kyū. These karateka are referred to as `mudansha`,meaning `those without a dan`.The white belt indicates thay the practitioner is still a beginner.The colored belts show that the person already has had some training but still has a lot to learn.The highest rank,right before the shodan or black belt, is called the first kyū or ikkyū. Although the danlevels count up as the karateka advances from first till tenth dan, the kyū count down. So an eight kyū or hachikyūwould be lower than a seventh kyū or nanakyū. The reason that there are more kyū than belt colors is that sometimes the same belt is used for two or three different kyū.
The first black belt, or shodan, shows that the wearer has a very good understanding of the basics. He is called a `yūdansha`, a holder of rank. The black belt may stand for a first dan, but it may be even a tenth dan in some karate styles. In some schools, high ranking dan is not shown by a black belt but rather by a belt with the combination of red and/or white.
But when were these uniforms, belts and ranks seen for the first time in history? What ranks did the old masters hold? Where did the first uniforms and ranks come from?
1.1 Karategi: from casual wear to a uniform
Before a karate uniform became generally accepted, a karateka would wear whatever clothes they found suitable for their training.Few clothes were worn during practice, as the small islands of Okinawa are very hot and humid. They often trained with bare chest and comfortable pants.The first time a karateka wore a white uniform for karate was on the 17th of May, 1922 in Tōkyō. Funakoshi Gichinwas invited by Kanō Jigorō, the creator of jūdō, to give a karate demonstration. Kanō Jigorō had shown interest in karate at a previous demonstration and therefore invited Funakoshi to give a demonstration at the Kōdōkan, Kanō`s jūdō dōjō.
Funakoshi bought white textile and made himself the first karategi for the demonstration. He made one for him and one for Gima Shinkin, an Okinawan karate practitioner who would assist him in the demonstration. These first white karategi were based on the Japanese jūdōgi. The karategi became more and more popular in Japan. We can find an advertisement, dating from 1934, for `karategi` being made in Tōkyō.On October 25, 1936 a group consisting out of mainly Okinawan karateka, had a meeting to discuss several items concerning the future of karate.One of the topics they agreed on was that karate had to “adopt a standard uniform”.Karate uniforms, although not standardized yet, were increasingly used by students in Okinawa from 1938.
When karate spread to the four corners of the world after the Second World War, so did the karategi. The white karategi in general has been accepted as the standard training and competition uniform for karate all over the world.
Miyagi Chojun left Source: The Evolution of Karate by Swennen
1.2 Ranks and belts
Before 1924, belts and ranks in karate were non-existent. No karate master or student had a black belt, dan or kyū rank before this date. You just had a teacher and his students. The existence of a belt that showed the outside world your rank was something unheard of.
Kanō Jigorōhad introduced the dan/kyū system to jūdō to motivate the students and to systemize his teachings. Around 1907 the black belt was used in jūdō for dan holders. The belt and ranking system of Karate was inspired by the belt system of jūdō.
The first time a black belt was worn for karate was by Funakoshi Gichin and Gima Shinkinin the demonstration of 1922 at Kanō`s jūdō dōjō. Funakoshi did at first not wanted to wear the jūdō black belt in front of the jūdō practitioners. Eventually they strapped on a black belt according to the advice of Kanō to wear whatever belt there was available.After the demonstration, Funakoshi changed back to his regular sash. Funakoshi did not have a dan rank for karate at that time, nor did anybody else. The first official dan rank for karate was awarded by Funakoshi Gichin.
He awarded the rank of Shodanon the twelfth of April in 1924 to several students, and Nidanto a few others. The Dai Nippon Butokukai demanded in the 1930`s that karate would adapt Kanō`s dan/kyū system and a system for evaluating the grade of proficiency. Karate also started using black belts for dan holders. As such, karate became closer to the ideal of a Japanese `traditional` martial art. The Okinawan Karate-do Federation only gave its first dan ranks after the Second World War. On the thirtieth of December 1960 it awarded forty Shodan, twenty three Nidanand twenty five Sandan.
We have seen that the adoption of Kano`s dan/kyū system, together with the black belt, came from jūdō into karate under the pressure of the Dai Nippon Butokukai.However, the colored belts are not credited to Kanō.
The first time colored belts showed up in jūdō was in Europe.KawaishiMikonosukewas a jūdō teacher and introduced the colored belts in 1935 in Europe while he was teaching in Paris.He felt that this system was more suitable for the West.The order of the colors was white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown and black. Karate adapted this system for its own mudansha.
The dan/kyū system, together with the colored and black belts, were adopted from jūdō to karate during a period when jūdō was seen as the example for `Japanese` martial arts.
1.3 Conclusion
The white uniform, ranks and belts of karate only appeared for the first time in history less than a century ago. They were derived from those of jūdō. The first white clothing for karate was made by Funakoshi in 1922 for a demonstration. In 1924 the first dan ranks were awarded to karateka by the same man.It all became a part of the image of karate.
Source: www.mightygoods.com/martial-arts- belts
Source:
1. Mads. 2017. Top 15 Martial Arts Styles (with all 182 Belt Colors and Grades). Retrieved Nov 18, 2017, from https://mightygoods.com/martial-arts-belts/
2. Swennen, F. (2009). The Evolution of Karate: From Secret Martial Arts to Worldwide Cultural Sport. Japan: International Budo University.
In this blog, we will explain you guys about the
important rules that should be obey by players or contestants in Karate games
and competition. There is three kind of karate style which is Kumite, Kata and
Kihon. We will share the rules in Kumite and Kata style.
Before that, let us tell about the differences
among three types of Karate. First, Kihon is about to the basics that master teach
the students to get their foot in the door for almost all Japanese martial
arts. It is the fundamental techniques that they must practice and perfect to
move up the ladder of training, into higher, more advanced levels. Secondly,
Kata is a set of movements executed to exemplify one’s understanding to the
techniques. Usually performed as a solo, students performing kata have to
practice these pre-arranged kihon techniques with fluidity and precision.
Master in Karate will teach them in stages, guide them from the basics to more
advanced, difficult levels overtime. Yet, even as one progresses to a higher
stage, they still repeat previously learned kata to illustrate a more effective
way to execute. Finally, Kumite is refers to student has a proficient
understanding and experience in kihon and kata, they can move onto kumite. Or
they can move onto the sparring element of Karate.
KUMITE
ØThe competition area
must be flat and devoid of hazard and
should be on a matted square, of a WKF approved type, with sides of eight
metres (measured from the outside) with an additional one metre on all sides as
a safety area. There will be a clear safety area of two metres on each side.
ØThe organisation
The Kumite competition may be further
divided into the team match and the individual match. The individual match may
be further divided into age and weight divisions. Male teams comprise seven
members with five competing in a round. Female teams comprise four members with
three competing in a round.
ØThe duration
The duration in Kumite rule is define as
three minutes for Senior Male and Senior Female is about two minutes (both
teams and individuals). Therefore, under 21 years is 3 minutes for the Male
category and 2 minutes for the Female category. Indeed for Cadet and Junior is about
two minutes.
ØScoring
In order to score, a technique must be
applied to a scoring area. The scores are as follows IPPON (three point),
WAZA-ARI (two point) and YUKO (one point). IPPON is awarded for Jodan kicks and
any scoring technique delivered on a thrown or fallen opponent. Jodan
being defined as the face, head and
neck. Any scoring technique which is delivered on an opponent who has been
thrown, has fallen of their own accord, or is otherwise off their feet. WAZA-ARI
is awarded for Chudan kicks which being defined as the abdomen, chest, back and
side. Lastly, YUKO is awarded for Chudan or Jodan Tsuki and Jodan or Chudan
Uchi. It means any punch (Tsuki) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas
and any strike (Uchi) delivered to any of the seven scoring areas. The
technique must be appropriately controlled with regard to the area being
attacked and must satisfy all six scoring criteria which is good form, sporting
attitude, vigorous application, awareness (ZANSHIN), good timing and correct
distance. Attacks are limited to the following areas which are head, face,
neck, abdomen, chest, back, side.
ØThe prohibit behaviour among players
There are two categories of prohibited
behaviour among players which is Category 1 and Category 2. The prohibited
behaviour in category 1 is about techniques which make excessive contact,
having regard to the scoring area attacked, and techniques which make contact
with the throat. Secondly about attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or
instep. Thirdly is about attacks to the face with open hand techniques. Lastly
is about dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques. In category 2 this prohibited
behaviour will explain in feigning, or exaggerating injury. Secondly, exit from
the competition area (JOGAI) not caused by the opponent. Thirdly, is about self-endangerment
by indulging in behaviour, which exposes the contestant to injury by the opponent,
or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection, (MUBOBI). Fourthly is
avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to
score. Fifthly, about passivity – not attempting to engage in combat. (Cannot
be given after less than the last 10 seconds of the match.). Next in clinching,
wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a a scoring
technique or takedown. Then, grabbing the opponent with both hands for any
other reasons than executing a take down upon catching the opponents kicking
leg. Again in grabbing the opponents arm or karate with one hand without
immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown. After that, the techniques,
which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and
dangerous and uncontrolled attacks. Furthermore, in emulate attacks with the
head, knees, or elbows. Last but not least, talking to, or goading the
opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee, discourteous behaviour
towards the Refereeing officials, or other breaches of etiquette.
ØWarning and penalties
There is also warnings and penalties in
Karate such as CHUKOKU, KEIKOKU, HANSOKU-CHUI, HANSOKU, SHIKKAKU. CHUKOKU is
imposed for the first instance of a minor infraction for the applicable
category. KEIKOKU is imposed for the second instance of a minor infraction for
that category, or for infractions not sufficiently serious to merit
HANSOKU-CHUI. HANSOKU-CHUI is a warning of disqualification usually imposed for
infractions for which a KEIKOKU has previously been given in that bout although
it may be imposed directly for serious infringements, which do not merit
HANSOKU. HANSOKU is the penalty of disqualification following a very serious
infraction or when a HANSOKU CHUI has already been given. In team matches the
fouled competitor’s score will be set at eight points and the offender’s score
will be zeroed. SHIKKAKU is a disqualification from the actual tournament,
competition, or match In order to define the limit of SHIKKAKU, the Referee
Commission, must be consulted. SHIKKAKU may be invoked when a contestant fails
to obey the orders of the Referee, acts maliciously, or commits an act which
harms the prestige and honour of Karate-do, or when other actions are
considered to violate the rules and spirit of the tournament. In team matches
the fouled competitor’s score will be set at eight points and the offender’s
score will be zeroed.
KATA
ØThe competition area
The competition area in Kata rules just
same with Kumite rules which is be flat and devoid of hazard. There is
sufficient size to permit the uninterrupted performance of Kata.
ØThe organisation
The organisation of Kata competition
takes the form of Team and Individual matches. Team matches consist of
competition between three person teams. Each Team is exclusively male, or
exclusively female. The Individual Kata match consists of individual
performance in separate male and female divisions.
ØThe assessment
In assessing the performance of a
contestant or team the Judges will evaluate the performance based on equal
weight of each of the three main criteria. The performance is evaluated from
the bow starting the kata until the bow ending the kata with the exception of
team medal matches, where the performance, as well as the time keeping starts
at the bow in the beginning of the kata and ends when the performers bow after
completing the Bunkai. All of the three major criteria are to be given equal
importance in the evaluation of the performance. Bunkai are to be given equal
importance as the kata itself. The three of important criteria in Kata and
Bunkai performance is provided conformance, technical performance and athletic
performance. The conformance in Kata is to form itself and standards of the
applicable style (ryu-ha). The technical performance is including the stances,
techniques, transitional movements, timing, correct breathing, focus (kime) and
technical difficulty. The athletic performance is needed strength, speed,
balance, and rhthm. Beside that, in Bunkai performance is using the actual
movements as performed in the kata and have medals. Then in technical
performance is include the stances, techniques, transitional movements, timing
control, focus (kime), and difficulty of techniques performed. The athletic
performance is about strength, speed, balance and timing.
ØDisqualification
There is also have disqualification in
karate. A competitor or a team of competitors may be disqualified for any of
the following reasons such as performing the wrong kata or announcing the wrong
kata. Then, in failing to bow at the beginning and completion of the kata
performance. A distinct pause or stop in the performance. After that, in
interference with the function of the judges (such as the judge having to move
for safety reasons or making physical contact with a judge). Then, in belt
falling off during the performance. Exceeding the total time limit of 6 minutes
duration for Kata and Bunkai. Lastly in, failure to follow the instructions of
the Chief Judge or other misconduct.
ØFouls
Indeed in Kata rules there is fouls
which is considered in evaluation according in karate tournament. First in the
criteria of fouls is minor loss of balance. Secondly, about performing a
movement in an incorrect or incomplete manner such as failure to fully execute
a block or punching off target. Thirdly in asynchronous movement, such as
delivering a technique before the body transition is completed, or in the case
of team kata is, failing to do a movement in unison. Then in, use of audible
cues (from any other person, including other team members) or theatrics such as
stamping the feet, slapping the chest, arms, or karate-gi, or inappropriate
exhalation, will automatically be penalized by the judges deducting the total
portion of the score for the technical performance of the kata (and thus losing
one third of the total score for the performance). Followed by belt coming
loose to the extent that it is coming off the hips during the performance.
After that, the time wasting, including prolonged marching, excessive bowing or
prolonged pause before starting the performance. Lastly the causing injury by
lack of controlled technique during Bunkai.
ØThe operation of matches
The operation of matches karate in Kata
rules is starting when of each answer to their names, the two contestants, or
teams, one wearing a red belt (AKA), and the other wearing a blue belt (AO),
will line up at the match area perimeter facing the Chief Kata Judge
Karate techniques demands great concentration to progress beyond the very basic karate techniques.
Although some moves may appear slightly rough and ready, it is important for everyone to keep in mind that competition karate is play out in safe conditions.
FRONT KICKING ( MAE-GERI )
In english, Mae Geri is known as front kick as the most basic of the many kicks in Shotokan karate.
Begin by bringing the back knee up and forward.
Try to make the heel and toes sparing up in a simultaneous motion.
Keep the leg bent and toes pointed forward.
Ensure the toes all together. Be careful not to let one toe separate from the others in order to prevent a broken toe.
Position yourself in a double "gedan burai" which means front stance.
Both arm slanting downwards to the sides of the body, almoslt like pretending to be an aeroplane.
By doing this kind of techinques, the kick will never losing balance and falling over.
Make sure the stance is in low condition.
Once the leg is up in the air, it's time for the kick.
Point the ball of the foot at the spot which you want to aim at.
This is known as Striking Surface which means it will do a lot of damage if it hits.
Snap the leg forward at the target, while rolling the hips forward.
Roll the hips forward gives kick extra power and speed.
Ensure the toes are pulled back prior to impact.
Pull the leg and hip back to the position in Step 2.
Snap back is important for several reasons which is the kick more effective, it prepares for the next technique and ensure the opponent do not grab your leg.
You should feel a snapping motion. The kick makes a solid contact and then snaps back.
Drop the leg back down to the original Gedan Barai position.
Don't wobble.
Keep the "Zanshin" which means keep your eye on your opponent,
keep reading the next techniques.
Repeat 10 times, then switch legs.
It is important to have ability to mae geri with either leg.
2. UPPER BLOCK ( JODAN UKE )
When preparing to block an attack, the competitor places the left arm at the side of the waist, with the arm bent, so the fist is facing the opponent.
Meanwhile, at the same time, the competitor's righ arm is raised straight up, alongside their head.
Once an attack is launched, the karateka quickly brings the right arm down, covering the face and parrying the hit.
The upper block or know as rising block is a defensive move designed to fend off punches and kicks to the head and upper body part.
3. KNEE STRIKES ( HIZA GERI )
Depending on the flexibility, knee kicks could be used to attack the stomach, groin or even the head of an attacker.
This move sees the karateka bend their leg and push the knee upwards into the attacker's groin.
4. ELBOW STRIKES ( HIJI ATE )
The elbow strikes technique in karate is as unfriendly as it sounds.
The karateka thrust an elbow into the face of their opponent. It may sound more like a fight technique, but the elbow strike is actually a difficult move to master.
It consist of a quick upward jab but it is easily blocked if delivered too slow.
During competition, it's a must to keep the power of an elbow strike in moderation as a careless blow could break the opponent's cheek bone.
5. PALM HEEL STRIKES ( SHOTEI UCHI )
The 'palm-heel strike' describes a sudden, thrusting jab that is aimed at an opponent's head.
This offensive moves shows that the karateka launch an upward, straight-arm punch and hitting the attacker's face with the base of the palm.
Although eaily blocked if delivered too slowly, palm-heel strikes can offer a suprise attack in the karateka's arsenal.
