Karatai - Tao

Training

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Karate basics consists in 3 forms (as laid down by Gichin Funakoshi):

Kihon.. - Training in fundermentals
Kata ....- Training in formal exercises
Kumite - Sparring

Dojo (training hall) etiquette (behaviour):

When entering the dojo, at the entrance, sensei's (instructor/teacher), students and instructors should bow towards the hall (standing bow ritsu-rei) out of respect for the training area.
When leaving the dojo, at the entrance, sensei's (instructor/teacher), students and instructors should bow towards the hall (standing bow ritsu-rei) out of respect for the training area.

Karate Gi's (training suit) must always be clean and personal cleanliness/odour should be kept fresh.

At the start of a session students and instructor(s) make a standing bow to each-other, then is some ryu's (styles), bow in the seiza position (kneeling position - za-rei), followed by standing and bowing again (standing bow ritsu-rei). During a karate training session students regularly bow respectfully to each-other when practicing techniques on each-other. When students bow they always keep at least peripheral eye contact. During mutual training, combat etc. eye contact is constant.
The sensei (instructor/teacher) is, traditionally, the highest grade in the class receives a bow (ni-rei) from the whole class at the beginning and end of a lesson.

When the sensei gives instruction it is usual for students to show respect and acknowledge the sensei's instruction with the sound "oose" (which means I understand). The constant bowing is a way to tell other students that you are not their to be a personal threat with the idea of causing damage but are instead respectful and eager to learn.

At the start of the class students line up by rank. Dan grades should allow more experienced black belts that may hold a lower grade stand higher in the belt/grade order out of respect (to not respect this rule should be seen as ignorant, rude and arrogant, the sensei should intervene).

The sensei when counting usually counts in Japanese (1 to 10 below):

1. Ichi
2. Ni
3. San
4. Shi
5. Go
6. Roku
7. Shichi
8. Hachi
9. Ku
10. Ju

The sensei may say "Chudan" (aim for the abdomen), "Jodan" (aim to the face area) or "Gedan" (lower abdomen and below-as in Gedan-bari), which indicates the attack or defense should be directed to the face, abdominal or sub-abdominal area.

When students spar (combat) or practice with each other strict safety rules should be observed. To strike another student without respect for their individual safety is extremely disrespectful because the person who has been neglectfully struck has turned up for the class out of good faith to learn karate skills, not be put into the local hospital. Students that show no respect for safety should be reprimanded by the sensei and if their disrespect continues asked to permanently leave the dojo.

The sensei will explain training moves and positions as students stand in a preparation position, the sensei will next give the command "Yoi" (which means be ready or prepare) to prepare the students, to apply the technique just explained (students sometimes reply "Yoi" with "oose"). The next command the sensei gives is "Hajime" which is the signal for students to execute the technique previously shown by the sensei. The students may be asked to complete a technique repetitively to develop muscle memory.

When the sensei wants students to stop and relax the command "Yame" (stop) is given and students can either stand into an informal ready stance (Heisoku-dachi), or stay in the stance they are currently in (depending on the instruction the sensei gives to the students).

Technical note: the striking point of the fist (Ken) is usually the index and middle finger knuckles, this area is known as Seiken.

At the end of the class students line up by rank. Dan grades should allow more experienced black belts that may hold a lower grade stand higher in the belt/grade order out of respect (to not respect this rule should be seen as ignorant, rude and arrogant, the sensei should intervene). Students kneel into seiza and the command "Mu-shin" is given, students close or half open their eyes and meditate until the sensei gives the command to open the eyes ("Yame"), students then bow to the sensei and the sensei replies, the class then stands and bow again to the sensei and the sensei bows back, students then bow to each other and the class ends.

Advice: if when joining a club the sensei and students have no value for safety I strongly advise you leave and join another more professional club immediately as your skills will only develop in a survival exercise every time you attend a training session.
Students who are not physically able to kneel because of injury or a medical condition should be exempt from kneeling or excessive training, and can stand during the beginning and end of the class but still enter into the spirit of the dojo.

Poor training methods/techniques that are not in the karate-do spirit:

Students practice techniques against each-other and some bad practice or spiteful habits is as follow:

When attacking chudan during outside block practice, the attacker (Semete) should avoid attacking to the outside of the body but attack in a straight line to the abdomen with kime (Ki "Japanese word for chi" = internal energy, kime = applying internal energy) and an understanding of distance. When attacking jodan during rising age-uke block practice, the attacker (Semete) should avoid attacking to the chest but attack in a straight line to the face with kime (Ki "Japanese word for chi" = internal energy, kime = applying internal energy) and an understanding of distance. According to Gichin Funakoshi the mandatory karate strike technique moves to the target in a straight line, attacks taking the shortest root from A. attacker to B. defender. Defenders (Ukete) usually exert circular blocking using hip generated power to deflect the attack (with kime-Ki "Japanese word for chi" = internal energy, kime = applying internal energy).

Karateka that intentionally stamp on peoples feet or any other poor practice to try to put them off will mean the development of the "Oh no I am with him (her) again" syndrome, and the practice partner will not psychologically or physically give 100% whilst training, just contempt. The karateka that has this response needs to change their ways otherwise their karate will always be mediocre at best. See Gichin Funakoshi, karateka letting go of ego.

Some karateka stop and start the attack whilst attacking in basic kumite combinations, doing this will promote resentment, stop the development of timing and negates any improvement in combat betterment.

One bad practice is when defenders (Ukete) are blocking jodan oi-zuki (june-zuki), poorly trained attackers or an attacker with evil intentions will aim for just above the block, and when the age-uke block energy is at its end the attacker smashes their forearm onto the blocking arm to harm their training partner. Please note: this particularly cowardly technique can be applied to any block and suggests the attacker may be mentally disturbed.

Defending karateka that intentionally hit an attacker when the attacker stands still to allow a counter-attack practice from the defender, or an attacker that intentionally hits a defender without prior agreement (unless by genuine accident) have no place in the dojo, and should be warned by the sensei. For the sensei to do nothing and ignore the situation of a student consistently hitting classmates is negligent at best.

Karateka that attack various parts of the body (such as kicking a loose hand etc.) during one step, three step, five step kumite with a sneaky intent to harm their partner should take up street fighting to get their disturbed jollies instead of plaguing serious martial arts classes.

Karateka that pretend to be hurt to either get a classmate into trouble or to get out of training should reflect on their actions, as the first instance is the mark of a fool and the second, the mark of someone who is extremely lazy. Both will stop any progress of skills or spiritual development, again the sensei should intervene.

Karateka that ask the sensei awkward and difficult questions to either waste time or embarrass the sensei should take up another sport as this type of behaviour is not within the true spirit of karate-do.

Karateka that have knowledge in the skills of Atemi/Dim Mack or any pressure/nerve striking techniques should not practice on unsuspecting martial arts partners as striking pressure points without awareness of the long term damage is ignorance personified. Modern day karate was devised by Gichin Funakoshi with the Atemi (Dim Mack - death strike/artery striking) techniques left out for good reason:

1. Applying pressure point striking just to see if it works, or otherwise, can cause long term mind, body and spirit damage and is not within the true spirit of karate-do.

2. Pressure point knowledge taught to adults or children via kata without understanding the consequences i.e. meridian disruption concepts and chi energy disruption theory could have seriously dangerous implications for fellow students. To be taught pressure point techniques the sensei must fully understand energy theories and concepts (and pass them on), trust the students that are being taught, that those students will not use the Atemi/Dim Mack wasa unreasonably, or as a very last resort to overcome a more powerful assailant at times of extreme physical danger (not as a way to try and get the upper hand on fellow students in the class). A sensei that teaches Atemi/Dim Mack without complete knowledge would be like a driving instructor taking an untrained-driver to a car, showing them the pedals, steering wheel and how to turn on the engine, then sitting the student in the driving seat whilst the car is pointed at a group of unsuspecting people, then allowing the student to switch the car's engine on and drive the car at the people on their own, without any supervision or safeguards put in place.

A sensei that has no control of the class or turns a blind eye to negative situations and comments made by karateka's in the class, just to try to fill his/her classes has no place in teaching karate. Karateka who recognize these pointers should seriously look for another sensei to teach them if they want to learn the true skills and spirit of karate-do. Sensei's that grade their students (and pass them) to make them attend classes and not because they are at the grade standard should reflect on this staement as their students skills will be always be sub-standard.

Sensei's that enjoy seeing their students get beat up (or say that some students are just "cannon fodder") have no place in the dojo no matter how big their Dan is, as this is a waste of thousands of years of inspiration by truly great men and women who have developed karate into what it is today.

Advice: Sensei's and karateka that apply the above shortcuts or evil intentioned routines need to learn to focus and show respect for other people/karateka students or be reprimanded and taught karate correctly by their sensei. All of this is to help them holistically develop the healing spirit of karate-do; That is if they have the desire, strength and will power to develop mentally and spiritually as a true karateka? If not, as master Funakoshi says " They have no right to do karate".

As Gichin Funakoshi informs us in his karate rules it is important to show respect to our fellow trainees and let go of unnecessary ego.

Shotokan dojokun (dojo rules) as written by Gichin Funakoshi

First. Seek perfection of character
First. Protect the way of the truth
First. Foster the spirit of effort
First. Respect the principles of etiquette and respect others
First. Guard against impetuous courage and refrain from violent behaviour

Blocking - Punching - Striking - Kicking - Dim-mack-Atemi point striking
Techniques (wasa)
Miscellaneous - Kata

Stances - Dachi-Wasa
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Japanese	English	Weight	Knees	Legs	Feet	Comment
Fudo-dachi	Rooted stance	Even	Completely bent-outwardly tense	wide	Front - forward Back - 45 degree	AKA. Sochin-dachi. This stance is a cross between a front & straddle stance All copyrights fourseas
Hachiji-dachi	Open leg stance	Even	Relaxed. straight	Medium	45 degree outward	Basic stance
Hangetsu-dachi	Large-hour glass stance (half moon stance)	Even	Bent, inward tension	wide	Front - forward Back - 45 degree	Defensive stance - same is a cross between a front & hour glass stance
Heiko-dachi	Parallel stance	Even	Relaxed. straight	Medium	Forward, parallel and shoulder width apart	Basic stance with feet facing forwards
Heisoku-dachi	Informal attention stance	Even	Relaxed. straight	natural	Forward, parallel and touching each other	Preparation stance
Kiba-dachi	Horse riding stance - Straddle leg stance	Even	Bent and tensed out	wide	Forward - do-not allow the feet to point out try and make them parallel pointing forwards, distance between feet is around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 foot	Power stance
Kokutsu-dachi	Back stance	30% front 70% back	Back over the toes. front slightly bent	narrow	Front - forward Back - 90 degree angle	Power stance, keep hips low with about 2-3 feet distance between the heels
Musubi-dachi	Informal attention stance - feet turned out	Even	Similar to Heisoku-dachi	natural	Forty five degree angles	Informal attention stance: eyes ahead, arms relaxed, hands touching thighs
Neko-ashi-dachi	Cat-stance	90% back	Bent	narrow	Front foot- forward Back foot - 45 degree heels in line	Flexible stance - front heel is raised up
Renoji-dachi	L stance	Even	Straight	narrow	Front foot - forward Back foot - 90 degree angle	Not-used-often
Sanchin-dachi	Hour glass stance	Even	Bent with strong inward inward tension	Medium	Font foot 45 degree inward back foot toes pointing forward	Power stance - feet are approximatly hip width apart. If the knees are forced inward to much tension in the stance is reduced
Shiko-dachi	Square stance	Even	Deep bend	wide	45 degree-out	Same as kiba-dachi except the feet are 45 degree outward
Teji-dachi	T stance	Even	Straight	narrow	Front foot - forward Back foot - 90 degree with about a 12" gap	T shaped feet
Uchi-hachiji dachi	Inverted open leg stance	Even	Slightly bent	Medium	45 degree inward	Not-used-often
Yame-Yoi-dachi	Shoulder width	Even	Slightly bent	natural	Forward	Preparation stance: arms strong with fists, used at the start and ending to techniques.
Zenkutsu-dachi	Front stance	60% front 40% back	Bent front, straight rear	Medium	Front, slightly in Back, turned forward	Used constantly All copyrights fourseas.co.uk

Blocking - Uke-Wasa
Most blocks can be an opportunity for Dim Mack striking
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Japanese	English	Blocking area	Defense against	Blocking direction	Comment All copyrights fourseas
Age-uke	Rising block	Forearm	attack to the face	Upward	Often used block
Ashibo-kake-uke	Leg-hook block	shin	Side kick	Inward and upward	Not-used-often
Ashikubi-kake-uke	Ankle-hook block	Front of ankle	Front kick	Forward and upward	AKA. Haisoku-uke. Technique was introduced to Shotokan karate by Sensei Nakayama after he learned it in China from an 80yr old Beijing boxer in the late 30's
Gendan-bari	Downward Block	Outside part of the forearm	Kicks and punches to the lower half of the body	Downward	AKA. Gedan-uke often used block
Gedan-kake-uke	Downward-hook block	Inner forearm	Front kicks	Circle	Hands make large circular motion
Haishu-uke	Back-hand block	Back of hand	Punch to the chest	Circle and outward	Not-used-often
Haiwan-nagashi-uke	Back arm-sweep block	Bottom of forearm	Punch to the face	Upward	Alike - Age-uke
Hiji-suri-uke	Sliding elbow block	Outside part of the forearm	Punch to the face	Upward and forward	Combined block/punch
Juji-uke	X block	Crossed hands at wrist	Punch to the face or a front kick	Up or down	Very powerful block
Kake-shuto-uke	Knife hand hooking block	Side of hand	Punch to the chest	Forward in a circle	Used for side and front attacks
Kakiwake-uke	Reverse-wedging block	Outside of wrists	Strangulation	Outward and down	Used mostly in back stance
Kakuto-uke	Bent-wrist block	Back of wrist, top part	Punch to the face or upper chest	Upward	Not-used-often
Keito-uke	Chicken-head wrist block	Stump of the thumb	Punch to the face or upper chest	Upward	Not-used-often
Maeude-deai-osae-uke	Pressing forearm block	Forearm	Punch to the torso	Forward	Painful on opponents arm
Maeude-hineri-uke	Twisting forearm block	Forearm	Punch to the face or chest	Circling up	Not-used-often
Morote-sukui-uke	Double hand scoop block	Hands	Front kick	Circling in	Not-used-often
Morote-uke	Assisted forearm block	Inner forearm	Punch to the chest	Circling out	Block supported by the second hand
Nagashi-uke	Sweeping block	Palm of hand	Punch to the chest	Straight moving sideways	AKA. Te-nagashi-uke
Osae-uke	Pressing block	Palm of hand	Punch to the groin or abdomen	Downward	AKA. Te-osae-uke
Seiryuto-uke	Oxjaw-hand block	Edges of hand near wrists	Punch or kick	Downward	Not-used-often
Shuto-uke	Knife hand block	Edge of hand	Attack to torso	Downward on a diagonal Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking	Fast block
Sokumen-awase-uke	Combined side block	Palm of hand	Punch to the face	Straight moving sideways	Blocking palm aided by the other hand
Sokutei-mawashi-uke	Sole of the foot circling block	Sole of feet	Punch to the chest	Circular	Similar to crescent kick
Sokutei-osae-uke	Sole of the foot press block	Sole of feet	Groin kick	Down and forward	Technique was introduced to Shotokan karate in 1946 by Sensei Nakayama after he learned it in China from an 80yr old Beijing boxer in the late 30's
Sokuto-osae-uke	Foot pressing-sword block	Side edge of feet	Groin kick	Forward	Technique was introduced to Shotokan karate in 1946 by Sensei Nakayama after he learned it in China from an 80yr old Beijing boxer in the late 30's
Soto-ude-uke	Outer forearm block	Outer side of forearm	Punch to the face or chest	Circular	Power block
Sukui-uke	Scooping block	Outer side of forearm	Chest or face kick	Circular	Good for unbalancing opponent
Tate-shuto-uke	Vertical knife hand block	Side edge of hand	Punch to the chest	Circular to the front	Similar toKeke-shuto-uke
Teisho-awase-uke	Combination palm heel block	Palm of hand	Front kick	Downward or forward	Powerful block against low kick
Teisho-uke	Palm heel block	Palm of hand	Punch to the chest or face	Up, down or sideways	Strong, hard block.
Tekubi-kake-uke	Hooking-wrist block	Back of wrists	Punch to the chest	Circular	Applied whilst moving away
Tettsui-uke	Bottom of fist block	Bottom of fist	Punching and kicking attacks	Down or sideways	Power block that can hurt attacker
Tsukami-uke	Grasping block	Palm of hand	Punch to the chest	Circular	AKA. Morote-tsukami-uke (double hand grasp)
Uchi-ude-uke	Inside forearm block	Inner forearm All copyrights fourseas.co.uk	Punch to the face or chest	Circular	Often used block

Punching - Zuki -Wasa
Dan-zuki, punching again & again with the same hand
Gyaku-zuki, punching hand is opposite to front leg
Morote-zuki, both hand punching at the same time
Oi-zuki, lunge punch
Ren-zuki, alternate puching
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Japanese	English	Striking area	Target area	Direction	Comment All copyrights fourseas
Age-zuki	Rising punch	Fore fist	Chin or f ace	Rising half circle	Power comes from the hips. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Awase-zuki	U punch	Fore fist	Face and solar plexus	Straight forward	Fists strike simultaneously
Choku-zuki	Straight punch	Fore fist	Anywhere	Straight forward	Basic punch
Gyaka-zuki	Reverse punch	Fore fist	Anywhere	Straight forward	Punch reverse to the stance
Hasami-zuki	Scissors punch	Fore fist	Front and back of the torso	Circular	Fists strike simultaneously. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Heiko-zuki	Parallel punch	Fore fist	Ribs and chest	Straight forward	Fists strike simultaneously
Hiraken-zuki	Fore knuckle punch	Fore knuckles	Temple, below nose in the ribs	Straight forward	Alike - Age-uke. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Ippon-ken-zuki	Single knuckle punch	Mid-joint of index finger	Temple, bridge of nose	Straight forward	Combined block/punch. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking. The middle and index finger squeeze the index finger to support/strengthen the index finger
Kagi-zuki	Hook punch	Fore fist	Ribs, temple, solar plexus	Angled	Strike at close up from the side. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Kentsui	Hammer fist	Bottom of fist	Ribs, temple, solar plexus	Forward or sideway	A.K.A Shutsui (hammer hand) tettsui (iron hammer)
Kimzami-zuki	Jab punch	Fore fist	Face	Straight forward	sometimes used as a diversion but is also a very effective attack
Mawashi-zuki	Round house punch	Fore fist	Side of face	Straight forward	Used mostly in back stance
Nagashi-zuki	Flowing strike	Fore fist	Face - anywhere	Straight forward	Whole body punch
Nakadate-ippon-ken-zuki	One-knuckle punch (middle finger)	Mid-joint of middle finger	Ribs, below the nose	Straight forward	Gichin Funakoshi demonstrates an Atemi kysusho-Dim Mack striking technique
Nukite	Spear hand punch	Fingertips	Eyes, ribs, throat or solar plexus	Straight forward	Combination of fingers can be used. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Oi-zuki	Lunge punch	Fore fist	Punch to the face or chest	Straight forward	Same hand and leg forward punch. AKA. june-zuki
Tate-zuki	Vertical fist punch	Vertically held fist	Solar plexus and face	Straight forward	Good at close quarters
Teisho-zuki	Heal of palm punch	Heel of palm	Nose and chin	Straight forward	Strong technique. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Ura-zuki	Close punch	Reverse fist	Solar plexus and ribs	Straight and up	Good at close quarters. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Yama-zuki	Wide U punch	Fist All copyrights fourseas.co.uk	Solar plexus and face	Circular-straight forward	Fists strike simultaneously

Striking - Uchi-Wasa
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Japanese	English	Striking area	Target area	Direction	Comment All copyrights fourseas
Haishu-uchi	Back hand strike	Back of open hand	Solar plexus, ribs, face, ears	Half circle	Like a back fist except hand is open. Used often as a blocking technique also
Haito-uchi	Ridge hand strike	Index finger side of open hand	Ribs, ears, throat, temple	circular	Inside or outside strike. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Hiraken-uchi	Fore knuckle fist strike	All the fore knuckles	Solar plexus, under nose, ribs temple	Straight forward	Not-used-often
Ippon-ken-uchi	One knuckle fist strike	Index finger, middle joint	Eyes, temple, bridge of nose	Straight forward	Not-used-often. Good technique for Dim Mack point striking
Keito-uchi	Chichen head wrist	Base of the first joint of the thumb	Armpit	Any direction	Snapping strike into the point in the armpit
Koko-uchi	Tigers mouth hand strike	Index finger side of hand	Throat	Straight forward	Not-used-often. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Kumade-uchi	Bear hand strike	Fingers bent, palm of the hand	Face and ears	Straight or circular	Fingers bent at the middle joints, thumb lightly pressing the hand to connect with a large area of the face or to paw away a strike
Mae-empi-uchi	Forward elbow strike	Elbow	Chin, ribs,solar plexus	Half circle	Close up technique. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Mawashi-empi-uchi	Round house elbow strike	Elbow	Face and chest	Half circle	AKA. mawashi-hiji-ate
Nakadate-ippon-ken-uchi	One (middle) finger strike	Middle joint of the middle finger	Bridge of nose or temple	Straight forward	Not-used-often. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Otoshi-empi-uchi	Downward elbow strike	Elbow	Middle of back, head or back	Straight down	Used after block. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Seiryuto-uchi	Oxjaw hand strike	Outside edge of hand by the wrist	Collar bone, face	Straight	Curve the hand at the wrist so that thumb is bent in - the striking area is the out side area of the wrist to forearm curve
Shuto-uchi	Knife/sword hand strike	Outside edge of hand	Neck, throat, nose or temple	Half circle	AKA. judo chop. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Tate-empi-uchi	Upward elbow strike	Elbow	Ribs, nose, head, solar plexus	Half-circle up	Power strike. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Teisho-uchi	Heel of palm strike	Palm of hand	Ribs, nose, head, solar plexus	Semi-circle	Can be used to eith block or strike . Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Tettsui-uchi	Hammer fist (bottom of fist) strike	Bottom of fist	Ribs, nose, head, solar plexus	Straight or circular	Power strike. AKA Kentsui-uchi
Uraken-uchi	Back fist strike	Reverse fist knuckles	Solar plexus and ribs	Circular	Close up technique
Ushiro-empi-uchi	Back elbow strike	Elbow	Solar plexus and chest	Straight back	Good to use against rear attack. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Washide-uchi	Eagle hand	Finger tips	Any acu-point	Any direction Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking	A.K.A. Eagle's beak in Tai chi chuan
Yoko-empi-uchi	Side elbow strike	Elbow All copyrights fourseas.co.uk	Abdomen, chest	Straight	Good to use against side attack. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking

Kicking - Geri-Wasa
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Japanese	English	Striking area	Target area	Kick type	Direction	Comment All copyrights fourseas
Fumi komi	Stamping kick	Heel-edge of foot	Leg or instep	Thrust	Down and straight	Must come from a high knee. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Gyaku-mawashi-geri	Reverse roundhouse kick	Heel or ball of foot	Solar plexus, ribs, groin or face	Snapping	circular	Extend the leg and hook the foot back
Hitsui-geri	Knee kick	Patella (knee cap)	Solar plexus, ribs, groin or face	Thrust	Straight or circular	Good in close quarters. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Kesa-geri	Diagonal kick	Edge of foot	Face	Thrust	Straight forward whilst in the air	Flying kick
Mae-geri-keagi	Front snap kick	Ball of foot	Abdomen, groin	Snapping	Straight forward	Snap forward and back quickly. Good technique for Dim Mack/kyusho point striking
Mae-geri-kekomi	Front thrust kick	Heel or ball of foot	Abdomen, groin and chest	Thrust	Straight forward	Power from the hips with locked knee
Mae-tobi-geri	Jumping front kick	Ball of foot	Abdomen, face	Snapping	Straight forward whilst in the air	Kick is done at highest point
Mawashi-geri	Round house kick	Ball of foot	Head, chest, solar, plexus and ribs	Snapping	Circular	Snap the leg quickly
Mikazuki-geri	Cresent kick	Flat or ball of foot	Head, chest, solar, plexus and ribs	Snapping	Circular	Can be used for blocking
Nidan-geri	Front scissor kick	Ball of foot	Abdomen, groin	Snapping	Straight forward whilst in the air	First lift knee then quickly change feet, this is the kicking foot
Ushiro-geri-keage	Back snap kick	Outside edge of foot	Abdomen, groin	Snapping	Straight back	Snap the leg quickly
Ushiro-geri-kekomi	Back thrust kick	Outside edge of foot	Abdomen, groin or face	Thrust	Straight back	Thrust the foot from the hips
Ushiro-mawashi-geri	Back round house kick	Outside edge of foot	Ribs, nose, head, solar plexus	Snapping	Circular	Power spinning kick. Technique was introduced to Shotokan karate in 1946 by Sensei Nakayama after he learned it in China from an 80yr old Beijing boxer in the late 30's
Yoko-geri-keage	Side snap kick	Edge of foot	Chest, head, solar plexus or arm pits	Snapping	Straight forward	Turn the hips to use to the front
Yoko-geri-kekomi	Side thrust kick	Bottom of fist	Ribs, nose, head, solar plexus	Thrust	Straight	Thrust the foot from the hips
Yoko-tobi-geri	Jumping side kick	Edge of foot	Face, neck All copyrights fourseas.co.uk	Thrust	Straight forward whilst in the air	High, surprise, jumping side kick

Miscellaneous
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Japanese	English	Aim	Comment All copyrights fourseas
Kamae	Kata or technique first move	Kata or technique preparation	Start of kata or combinations that should express confidence and intention. One should be relaxed in breath and body with mind focus on the tanden where power should flow from
Kata	Formal exercises	Develop speed, technique, style, spirit, humility and dictate the correct shape of a kata or techniques	One kata at a time was once practiced for years to perfect and understand it's meaning before the practitioner could progress. Kata's start and end in Kamae. There are approximately 50 kata's for the trainee to learn. the shape of heian's 1,2 and 4 are I, 3 and 5 is T, Tekki in a straight line.
Kiai	Yell, shout from the inside	Aid physical and mental coordination, part of an attack and to scare an opponent	The "Kiai" vibration if developed correctly has been produced by some masters to heal, kill or damage. The kiai should come from deep inside, sometimes no noise can be heard but power is felt. See tai chi
Kime	Focus of mind and spirit into technique	To make the technique explode with full power of the mind, body and spirit	AKA ikken hissatsu (to kill with one blow). A karate technique without kime cannot be called karate no matter how much it looks like karate (see Gichin Funakoshi)
Kumite-Basic	Basic sparring AKA. 10 NO kata	Develop basic fighting skills	Elementary sparring: One step ippon kumite single blocking and attacking Sambon kumite - 3 step sparring Gohon kumite - 5 step sparring
Kumite- jiyu ippon	Intermediate sparring AKA. 10 NO kata	Develop intermidiate fighting skills	Opponents face each other in kamae (in free-style posture) with one side announcing attack, the opposition defends using any block and counter-attack with timing and control
Kumite- jiyu	Advanced sparring AKA. 10 NO kata	Develop advanced fighting skills	Opponents face each other in kamae (in free-style posture). Attacks and defense freely come from both sides with kime either controlled or with prior agreement no control (jissen)
Mawate	Turn	Turn to face opposite direction	Put the back foot across so that a turn is made from the tanden until the stance becomes the desired dachi in the opposite direction
Sun-dome	Stop/arresting technique.	To stop the technique about 3cm before it strikes the target	If Sun-dome is practiced then kime is lost and the strike is not true to karate, so to redress this problem when applying an attack to a human target the strike should end just before the target with full kime
Tanden	Centre of gravity	Develop spatial awareness	Dantian in Chinese. Concentrated power is focused from the tanden into any strike or block
Yame	Stop	Finnish techniques	When the sensei calls yame students should stop and stand in a preparation stance unless instructed differently
Zanshin	Being relaxed	Bring the mind/body into focused preparation All copyrights fourseas.co.uk	Includes bow at beginning and end of kata and combat

The 15 Basic shotokan karate kata's
Gichi Funakoshi combined the kata's of
Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu
All copyrights fourseas.co.uk Telephone or text 07981073456.

Club training a final note:

Flexibility - Karate clubs generally spent at least 30 minutes warming up the body and about 10 minutes at the end to cool the body down. Karateka that are not naturally flexible should not worry or force themselves to become unnaturally flexible as this can cause injury which will mean students cannot train. Karate clubs will always have some naturally flexible students that make the techniques look easy and beautiful but it does not mean they are good at combat, that will always be an individual thing (could be genetic). Research into suppleness suggested that the Mongolian race are genetically the most naturally flexible race, followed closely by the Chinese. Personal flexibility has a lot to do with genetic code passed down from generation to generation, as being supple depends on how genetically elastic the tendons (connects muslce to bone), ligaments (connects bone to bone) and any connective tissue are formed in each individuals body.

Twisting energy - Make sure that when striking, punching or blocking, the arm, hand or fist twists exactly at the point of contact as this will dramatically increase the force of the strike, punch or block, with the attacker or defender needing less effort to apply the skills they have been taught. Diligently applying twisting energy to techniques will help increase timing and improve technique so that the power, strength and delivery of an effective blow or block can become almost hidden.

Muscles - Always make sure the muscles are warmed up when practicing karate to avoid injury. Do-not become over muscled as this may slow down the speed a punch or kick can be delivered.

Eating before training - Do-not eat1-2 hours before training as the food that has been eaten will have to be digested. When food is consumed blood is shunted to the stomach to aid digestion which means the muscles will have less oxygen because there is less blood (oxygen is carried in blood cells) available for muscle use. High exercise without a good blood-oxygen supply for the muscles could lead to severe muscle cramps and unnecessary muscle fatigue during a training session.

Drink water - Exercise can cause de-hydration (loss of water) so do have access to a water source during a training session. A daily consumption of 2 litres of fresh clean water is advisable for all people, and especially when exercising regularly as blood needs water to be healthy, so do the joints to help with lubrication and the brain cells for thinking. Do-not drink too much water (known as over-hydration) as this could cause the brain to swell and flush the body systems of vitamins and minerals which will lead to severe illness. Poor water consumption during or before a training session could unnecessarily lead to severe muscle cramps and muscle fatigue during a training session.

Karate Terminology (quick study)

GENERAL TERMS
Ashi-barai: Foot sweep
Budo: Way of combat
Bunkai: Application (interpretation) of kata techniques
Dachi: Stance
Do: Way
Dojo: School or training room
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita: "Thank-you very much"
Dozo: Please
Embusen: Floor pattern/lines of a kata
Geri: Kick
Gi: Uniform
Gohon kumite: Five-step sparring
Hai: Yes (or oose - I understand)
Ippon kumite: One-step sparring
Jiyyu kumite: Free sparring
Kamae: Posture
Karate: Empty Hand 
Karate Do:The Way of Katate
Karateka: Practitioner of Karate
Kata: Practice form
Kiai: Spirit shout/focus of spiritual energy
Kihon: Fundamentals/Basics
Kime: Focus
Kohai: Junior
Kumite: Sparring/fighting
Kyu: Rank
Iie: No
Maai: Distance
Mokuso: Meditate/Gather Your Thoughts
Obi: Belt
Onegai Shimasu: "I welcome you to train with me" Literally: " I make a request." Said to one's partner when initiating practice.
Oose (osu): "I understand and will try my best." Also used to show respect, enthusiasm (Do not use outside of the dojo! )
Renshi: Entry Level Master
Rei: Bow
Sempai: Senior
Sensei: Teacher
Shihan: Master Instructor
Shotokan: "House of Shoto”; “Pine-Sea-waves”; pen name of Funakoshi
Tai-sabaki: Body shifting
Uchi: Strike
Uke: Block
Waza: Technique
Yakusoku kumite: "Promise" premeditated sparring
Yori-ashi: Sliding the feet
Zanshin: Poise and control
Zuki (Tsuki): Punch

MAJOR CONCEPTS
Go no sen: Seizing the initiative later; Allowing your opponent to attack first so as to open up target for counter-attacks
Ikken Hissatsu: "To kill with one blow"
Karate ni sente nashi: Karate does not include the first move
Karate wa sente nari: Karate is the first move
Zanshin: Awareness; Continuing mind/heart - connotes "following through" a technique while maintaining awareness
Sen: Initiative
Sen no sen: Seizing the initiative earlier; attacking at the same moment your opponent attacks
Sen sen no sen: Seizing the opponent’s sen no sen; Attacking before your opponent attacks-a preemptive attack
Shorei style kata: Slow, strong movement, emphasizing strength
Shorin style kata: Quick movement, emphasizing speed
Sun-dome: Stopping a technique just prior to contact (three centimeters)

BODY PARTS
Ashi: Leg
Ashikubi: Ankle
Atama: Head
Chudan: Mid-level
Empi (also Hiji): Elbow
Ensho: Back of the heel
Gedan: Lower level
Heisoku: Top (instep) of the foot
Hiza (also Hitsui): Knee
Ippon Ken: Single-point index-finger Fist
Jiku Ashi: Pivot leg
Jodan: Head level
Kakato: Heel of the foot
Kaishu: Open hand
Kata: Shoulder
Ken: Fist
Koshi: Ball of the foot
Naiwan: Back of Arm
Sokuto: Outer edge (knife) of the foot
Tate Ken: Vertical Fist
Te: Hand
Tekubi: Wrist
Teisho: Palm heel
Teisoku: Bottom of the foot
Tsumasaki: Toe tips
Ude: Forearm
Wan: Arm

COUNTING
Ichi: One
Ni: Two
San: Three
Shi: Four
Go: Five
Roku: Six
Shichi: Seven
Hachi: Eight
Ku: Nine
Ju: Ten
NiJu: Twenty
NiJu-Go: Twenty-five
Hyaku: One Hundred
Ippon: First
Yon: Fourth
Gohon: Fifth

COMMANDS
Age-te: Hands up (cover position)
Hajime: Begin
Mawatte: Turn around
Naore: Return to Shizen-tai
Narande: Line up
Otaigai ni: Face towards each other
Seiza: Meditation position-kneeling
Seiretsu: Line up by rank
Sensei ni: Face towards the teacher
Shomen ni: Face towards the front
Rei: Bow
Yame: Stop
Yasume: Relax (or ready position)
Yoi: Ready

DIRECTIONS
Age: Rising
Chudan: Mid-high level
Gedan: Low level; Down
Gyaku: Reverse
Hidari: Left
Jodan: Head high level
Mae: Front
Mawashi: Round
Migi: Right
Otoshi: Dropping
Sokumen: Side
Soto: Outer
Tate: Vertical
Tobi: Jump
Uchi: Inner
Ushiro: Back
Yoko: Side

DACHI WAZA (STANCES)
Fudo dachi: Fighting Stance
Hachiji dachi: Open-legged Stance (Yoi)
Hangetsu dachi: Wide Hour-glass Stance
Heisoku dachi: Formal Attention Stance (Yoi)
Hidari Ashi Orishiku: Left Leg Kneeling
Kamae:Posture (Yoi)
Kiba dachi: Straddle Stance
Kokutsu dachi: Back Stance
Kosa dachi: Cross-legged Stance
Migi Ashi Orishiku: Right Leg Kneeling
Musubi dachi: Informal Attention Stance (feet in a 'V")
Neko-ashi dachi:Cat Stance
Renoji dachi: "L" Stance
Shizen-tai dachi: Natural Stance
Zenkutsu dachi: Front Stance

UKE WAZA (BLOCKS)
Age uke: Rising block
Awase Shuto Age Uke: Combined rising knife-hand block (Kanku-Dai)
Empi uke (or Hiji uke): Elbow block (Heian 3)
Gedan uke: Down block
Haishu uke: Back-hand block (Heian 5)
Haiwan Nagashi Uke: Sweeping back-arm block
Juji uke: X block
Kakiwaki uke: Reverse wedge block (Heian 4)
Kosa uke: Cross block (Uchi/gedan uke-Heian 3)
Manji uke: Hi/low block (Heian 5)
Morote uke: Augmented block
Nagashi Uke: Sweeping block (Tekki, Jion)
Osae uke: Pressing block (Heian 2, 3)
Otoshi uke: Dropping or falling block (Heian 2, 3)
Ryowan Uchi Uke: Double inside block (Jion, Bassai-Sho)
Seiryuto Uke: Ox-Jaw block
Shuto uke: Knife block
Sokumen Awase Uke: Side combined block (Bassai-Dai)
Soto ude uke: Outside forearm block
Sukui Uke: Scooping block (Bassai, Chinte)
Tate shuto uke: Vertical knife-hand block (Heian 3)
Te Nagashi Uke: Sweeping hand block (parry) (Heian 5)
Tsukami Uke: Grasping block (Bassai-Dai, Jion)
Uchi ude uke: Inside forearm block

GERI WAZA (KICKS)
Fumikomi geri: Stamping kick (Heian 3, 5)
Hiza geri: Knee kick/strike
Mae geri keage: Front snap kick
Mae geri kekomi: Front thrust kick
Mawashi geri: Round kick
Name ashi geri: Returning wave kick (Tekki 1)
Nidan geri: Double kick (Kanku-Dai)
Soto mikazuki geri: Outside crescent kick
Tobi geri: Flying kick
Uchi mikazuki geri: Inside crescent kick
Ushiro geri: Back thrust kick
Yoko geri keage: Side snap kick
Yoko geri kekomi: Side thrust kick

ZUKI WAZA (PUNCHES)
Age zuki: Rising punch
Awase zuki: "U" punch
Choku zuki: Straight punch
Gedan zuki: Downward punch
Gyaku zuki: Reverse punch
Ippon Ken zuki: One-knuckle fist punch (Hangetsu)
Kagi zuki: Hook punch
Kizami zuki: Jab
Morote zuki: Parallel punch
Oi-gyaku zuki: Lunging reverse punch
Oi zuki: Lunge punch
Otoshi zuki: Dropping punch (Empi)
Ren zuki: Double punch
San zuki: Triple punch
Ura zuki: Close punch
Yama zuki: Wide "U" punch

UCHI WAZA (Strikes)
Empi Uchi: Elbow Strike
Gyaku Haito Uchi:Reverse Backfist Strike
Haishu Uchi: Back Hand Strike
Haito Uchi: Index finger side of hand Strike
Hiraken Uchi: Foreknuckle Strike
Hiza Age Ate: Rising Knee Strike
Ippon Nukite Uchi: Single Finger Strike
Koko Uchi: Tiger Mouth Strike
Kumade Uchi: Bear Claw Strike
Mae Empi Uchi: Front Elbow Strike
Mawashi Empi Uchi: Round Elbow Strike
Nihon Nukite Uchi: Two Finger Strike (Fork)
Otoshi Empi Uchi: Downward Elbow Strike
Shihon Nukite Uchi: Spear Hand Strike
Shuto Uchi: Knife Hand Strike
Soto Shuto Uchi: Outside Knife Hand Strike
Tate Empi Uchi: Upward Elbow Strike
Teisho Uchi: Palm Heel Strike
Tettsui Hammer-fist strike
Uchi Shuto Uchi: Inside Knife Hand Strike
Uraken Uchi: Backfist Strike
Ushiro Empi Uchi: Back Elbow Strike
Washide Uchi: Eagle Beak Strike
Yoko Empi Uchi: Side Elbow Strike
Yoko Mawashi Empi Uchi: Side Roundhouse Elbow Strike

KATA (Forms)
Bassai: Storm the Fortress
Chinte: Extraordinary Hands
Dai: Greater, big
Empi: Flying Swallow
Gankaku: Crane on a rock
Hangetsu: Crescent or Half moon
Heian: Peaceful mind
Jion: Temple Ground
Jiin: Temple Sound
Jitte: Ten Hands
Kanku: To look at the sky
Nijushiho: Twenty-four steps
Sho: Lesser, small
Sochin: To keep the peace; Grand Suppression
Shorei style Kata: Light and quick; emphasizing agility and speed
Shorin style Kata: Slow, hard, and strong; emphasizing muscles and strength
Tekki: Iron horse stance
Ten-No-Kata: Kata of the Universe

WEAPONS (Kobujutsu Training)
Bokken: Wooden sword
Bo: Long staff
Jo: Short staff
Kama: Sickles
Nunchaku: Thrasher (two sticks joined by a chain)
Shinai: Bamboo sword
Sai: forked knife (Jitte)
Tonfa: Batons

Karatai belt Grading's
Red 9kyu - Orange 8kyu - Yellow 7kyu - Green 6kyu - Purple 5kyu - Purple/white stripe 4kyu

Brown + Black sash 3kyu - Brown/1 white stripe + Green sash 2kyu - Brown/2 white stripes + Red sash 1kyu - Black belt + Yellow sash 1st dan

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