Karate Techniques

When a person starts learning about the various karate techniques, it is the individual punches, kicks and blocks that are taught to him/her. These form the basis for becoming a karate master, and all complicated moves and tricks are taught later. Without the knowledge of some basic karate techniques, the individual cannot progress on to advanced methods.

Karate is a form of martial arts that was developed in Japan, and makes use of various techniques of punching, kicking, locking, grappling, throwing and blocking. It comes in handy as a means of self defense, but at the same time it also enables an individual to develop better reflexes, not to mention the full body workout that it provides.

Learning these basic karate techniques is imperative for everyone, as it lays the foundation for further developments. Also known as Kihon, these karate moves are not very difficult to master and an individual can pick them up soon.

After the Kihon comes the Katas, which are the advanced karate techniques than an experienced learner can move on to. Katas are sequences of moves that include the entire range of actions that are learned in karate. These moves include punches, blocks, kicks, movements and body shifts. As one reaches a higher level in learning karate, more and more complicated Katas are taught to a person.

Karate Techniques for Beginners

The first thing that must be learned are the blocks. Blocks are designed to stop the opponents blows from reaching your body, and the most effective blocks achieve this purpose and simultaneously cause damage to the opponent as well. Here are some of the most common blocks.

Close-handed blocks

• Upper block (Jodan Uke, Age Uke)
• Middle block (Chudan Uke)
• Lower block outside (Gedan Barai)
• Lower block inside (Gedan Uchi Barai)
• Middle block inside (Chudan Ude Uke)
• Lower block inside (Gedan Ude Uke)

Open-handed blocks

• Hooking block (Hiki Uke)
• Double-handed hooking block (Toraguchi)
• Middle side block (Chudan Shotei Yoko Uke)
• Lower scooping block (Gedan Shotei Uke)
• Double open-handed straight block (Morote Shotei Uke)
• Stopping block (Shotei Otoshi Uke)

Wrist blocks

• Upper wrist block (Jodan Ko-Uke)
• Side block (Chudan Ko-Uke)
• Downwards block (Shotei Uke)
• Upper and lower wrist block (Ko Uke Teisho Uke)

Once you have learned these basic blocks, the instructor will move on to the basic moves of punching. Punches are the best way to strike an opponent, and these are an integral part of all karate techniques.

• Jab punch (Kizami Zuki)
• Uppercut (Ake Zuki)
• Middle elbow strike (Chudan Hiji Ate)
• Palm heel strike (Shotei Uchi)

The next step in learning karate techniques is about the kicks that you deliver. These techniques are mastered by kicking bags, and not thin air. By kicking a physical object the individual can learn how to aim their kicks accurately, and how to get the right amount of power behind his/her kick.

• Front kick (Mae Geri)
• Side kick (Yoko Geri)
• High roundhouse kick (Jodan Mawashi Geri)
• Middle level roundhouse kick (Chudan Mawashi Geri)
• Knee strike (Hiza Geri)
• Back kick (Ushiro Geri)
• Groin kick (Kin Geri)
• Stomping knee joint kick (Kansetsu Geri)

All these karate techniques will first be taught at an amateur level, and the instructor will gradually start introducing some karate exercises and combination moves to the training regime. Mastering these moves and techniques takes time, and people spend many years practicing them.

Karate techniques provide an individual with great levels of strength and stamina, and also calm them down at the same time. Like all other forms of martial arts, karate is more about the state of mind. There are many health benefits of martial arts that can be gained from learning these karate techniques.