Introduction 🥋
Kihon (基本) means fundamentals. In Karate, kihon is the foundation of every punch, block, and kick. But Karate doesn’t stop at single techniques — the real challenge is learning how to connect them smoothly into short flows.
This class will guide you from practicing clear, single-count basics to building two- and three-count combinations. You’ll learn how to control distance, manage breathing, and keep balance so that even under speed, your movements stay sharp and precise.
Step 1 – Refine Single Basics ✊
Before linking movements, make sure each strike or block is crisp on its own.
- Punch (Choku-Zuki): Straight, fast, finish with hip rotation.
- Block (Gedan-Barai, Age-Uke): Clear motion with chambered hands.
- Front Kick (Mae-Geri): Snap out, pull back quickly for balance.
💡 Tip: Imagine you are cutting each movement cleanly, like writing with a sharp pen. No blur, no hesitation.
Step 2 – Two-Count Combinations ✌️
Once your single moves feel strong, start linking two at a time:
- Block + Punch (Gedan-Barai → Gyaku-Zuki).
- Punch + Kick (Oi-Zuki → Mae-Geri).
- Kick + Punch (Mae-Geri → Gyaku-Zuki).
Here you learn the transition, not just the techniques.
💡 Tip: Keep your center of gravity low and steady while switching.
Step 3 – Three-Count Flows 🔗
Now build short flows of three techniques:
- Step forward → Age-Uke → Gyaku-Zuki.
- Mae-Geri → Oi-Zuki → Gedan-Barai.
- Block → Counter Punch → Step Back Guard.
💡 Tip: Count out loud or with breath (“Ichi, Ni, San!”) to develop rhythm.
Step 4 – Distance Control 📏
- Always know if you are in kicking range or punching range.
- Step slightly longer for kicks, slightly shorter for punches.
- End every flow at a safe distance, not too close, not too far.
💡 Tip: Imagine a line between you and your partner — your goal is to move in and out with control.
Step 5 – Breathing & Balance 🌬️⚖️
- Exhale sharply on each strike.
- Inhale between movements while staying relaxed.
- Keep shoulders down, knees bent, weight centered.
💡 Tip: Finish each combination as if taking a photo — frozen, stable, balanced.
Instructor’s 10 Quick Reminders 📝
- Always chamber your hands before each move.
- Don’t rush — speed comes naturally after form.
- Use hips as the engine of every strike.
- Step with purpose, don’t shuffle without control.
- Aim each punch at a real target.
- Snap kicks back quickly, don’t leave them hanging.
- Keep elbows close, avoid flaring arms.
- Train both left and right sides evenly.
- Breathe with rhythm, not randomly.
- End every flow with awareness — don’t drop your guard. 🙇
Conclusion 🌟
Kihon and combinations are the bridge from raw basics to flowing Karate. By practicing single moves first, then linking two and three-count flows, you’ll develop the rhythm, distance control, and stability needed for more advanced training.
This stage is about connection: connecting strikes with blocks, connecting breath with movement, and connecting mind with body. Keep practicing consistently, and soon your techniques will feel natural, powerful, and sharp under pressure. 💪🥋
