There are 3 basic elements to good Karate; Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (training exercises with predetermined moves), and Kumite (sparring). These 3 key foundations are also referred to as 3 K's.
Many Karate specialists say that Kumite is the spirit of Karate and Kata is the soul, but without your Kihon neither can exist. Thus an equal amount of attention must be given to all 3 basic elements in your training.
When Shōtōkan was being developed, Master Funakoshi's key area of focus was Kata and character building. With the help of his son Gigō Funakoshi, Kihon was then created to better understand Kata fundamentals and to make it easier to teach the complexities of Katas. Although Master Gichin Funakoshi did not encourage Kumite, he later allowed his son to develop this last element.
1.Kihon (基本)
Kihon or simply known as "Basic Fundamentals" are mostly techniques that have derived from Katas. This form of training was originally introduced to aid us in understanding and developing our Katas. We also use Kihons to better understand techniques on how to stand, block, punch and kick. At first you use one technique at a time, and then use them in combinations. With enough repetition of these drills the neural pathway for those movements become stronger, which then fine tunes motor skills and develops muscle memory. At a subconscious level we are then able to execute the movement without having to think about it.
Some of the basic fundamental techniques used in Shōtōkan Karate are as follows:
- Blocks – Uke
- Body Movements – Tai Sabaki
- Breathing – Kokyu
- Focus – Kime
- Kicks – Keri
- Punches – Zuki
- Stances – Dachi
- Strikes – Uchi
The type, intensity and complexity of basic training will vary depending on the student’s age, ability, rank and experience.
Kihons are first introduced on an individual basis, or as a class group in formal lines and practiced with no physical contact, before eventually moving onto pad-work training and controlled touch contact training with a partner.
More on kihon
2.Kata (型)
Kata is a sequence of pre-arranged movements. Kata was developed by past masters as a way of capturing and recording the different fighting systems, thus allowing them to be passed down from generation to generation. Katas were also used as an effective training tool for practicing defending and counterattacking against imaginary attackers using multi-directional, sequential combinations in a simulated fight.
The principles of Kata can not only be applied in martial arts, but in many processes that we do in everyday life when learning something new. For example, when initially learning to drive a car you have to be consciously aware of when to press the brake, when to shift gears or how far the steering wheel needs to be turned to move the car in a particular direction. With repetitive practice however, you can shift into “Auto-Pilot” and co-ordinate all these processes simultaneously.
In the same way, katas are used to help learn and remember fundamental movements and techniques in Karate. As one grows more proficient in the Karate style, the habit of thinking and acting that sequence of movement becomes involuntary.
Katas have evolved over the years to become stylised in nature, mainly for competition, and as a result some techniques differ between styles and schools. Despite these variations, the fundamental principles behind each Kata remain unchanged. Fundamental principles such as correct technique, control, focus of power, speed, timing, rhythm, balance, breathing, abdominal tension and concentration should be demonstrated when performing any Kata.
more on Katas
3.Kumite (組手)
Kumite also known as "Sparring" is training with another student where the techniques acquired from Kata and Kihons are utilised and deployed to immobilise the opponent in a controlled manner. This could be against someone your own build, someone smaller or even larger, thus teaching the student to apply the techniques against any opponent.
Kumite training consists of learning pre-arranged set sequences before progressing onto continuous free sparring where the participants can use any allowed techniques provided they are controlled.
More on kumite
These are the 3 'K's of Karate. I hope the information has been of some help to you. All of the K's, Kihon, Kata and Kumite play a vital part of your Karate training and must be equally balanced. Don't just get a black belt, become a black belt - train consistently and with dedication.
Good luck!
