Basic Techniques

The Fundamental techniques of Karate are punching, striking, blocking and kicking, and certain considerations need to be observed before they can be performed effectively.

The Following factors should be taken into account

Form – Balance – Centre of Gravity.

Concentration of Power

Rhythm

Timing

Hara – Hips

Form

Correct form is very important in the execution of karate techniques, as the body must harmonize in order to acquire the stability necessary to sustain the shock of delivering a kick or punch.

Balance

Good Balance is essential when performing any karate technique, especially kicks. At times the body’s whole weight must be supported on one leg or transferred quickly from one leg to the other.

Centre Of Gravity

Involves Hara, the body’s physical and spiritual centre of gravity. Any technique no matter what direction must keep the hara at a constant level. For example whilst performing Oi stuki, if at the halfway stage the legs are straightened causing the Hara to rise, and then lowered as the punch is completed, the full power of the technique will not be propelled in a forward direction (towards the opponent).

Concentration of Power

When performing basic techniques the body should remain relaxed and only tensed at the end of the movement when contact is made. This tension is known as "Kime" or focus. Physics dictate that a muscle that is contracted cannot move as quickly as one that is relaxed. Both muscles and tendons should be kept relaxed to allow instant response to changing circumstances. "Kime" is often misunderstood as being "Tensing". "Kime" is relaxing, tensing at the appropriate time and then relaxing.

Rhythm

Is essential in most sports. Think of the poetry of the hurdler or perhaps the butterfly swimmer for example.

In Karate, rhythm is more noticeable in "Kata" and some Karate Ka have better rhythm than others. Ultimately, a person’s "Kinetic" sense is responsible for a Kata being good – or very good.

Rhythm keeps each technique in Kata separate, yet joins them harmoniously together as a whole.

Timing

Good timing is vital and if incorrect, may cause the technique to fail. Incorrect timing of a strike may only result in the technique being less effective in the delivery of power. A punch delivered too soon may be out of range and therefore rendered ineffective, whilst a punch delivered too late may result in no uncertain terms for the executor.

Hara

All body power should emanate from the hara, the body’s natural centre of gravity. If tension is only applied to the muscles of the forearm when punching, the punch will be weak, using only a fraction of the body’s capability. Understanding the hara is the single most important factor in the execution of karate techniques, for without this knowledge the student will progress up to a point – and no further. Without this the punch of a 10st man will always be less than that of a 20st man.

Hips

Coupled with hara is the hip movement or "Tanden". When performing basic techniques, the hips should rotate rather than undulate. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, as with some kicks, but by the large, the mechanics of the hip movement must be appreciated and the laws of action and reaction understood. The timing of the hips is crucial to the success of the technique.