Karate: Practicing Sequences of Techniques Part 1

After acquiring the basic karate skills, we will now proceed to practicing the sequences of techniques. Be ready because this part of the book is more complicated than the first part. Don't worry, though, because the text is still accompanied with excellent illustrations. Now, focus on the exercises to be done.

Kihon

Kihon stands for small groups of techniques, performed one after another. It is not a combat simulation, but rather an exercise to perfect the form.

Kihon Chudan Oi Tsuki

From Hidari Zenkutsu Dachi, step forward while doing Migi Chudan Tsuki. Then step forward with your left foot while doing Hidari Chudan Tsuki and so on. After doing the three punches, turn around with Jodan Ago Uchi. To perform this turn, keep your feet firmly on the ground, then turned around from (for example) Migi Zenkutsu Dachi to Hidari Kokutsu Dachi. Move your front foot to the side to align your position.

It is vrey important to keep your punches synchronized with the steps. If you punch and then step forward will not be used in the punch. Moreover, if you step forward and then punch, your opponent will see the step and have time to prepare.

The correct way to do it, therefore, is to make a step and punch at the same time; so that the fist touches the target exactly when your step is complete and the hip movement takes the speed of and passes it to punch.

Kihon Chudan Giaku Tsuki

Giaku techniques are reversed. If the right foot is in front, the left hand is used for the punch, and vice versa.

Kihon Uchi Uke

Defensive techniques can be combined in kihon as well as in attacks. In this case, walk forward with the block (uchi uke), maintaining proper position and following the rules outlined above the distance between feet, weight distribution, and other details.

The last few inches of the block should coincide with the last few inches of the step, when you are 'sinking' into the new position.