“OK, I am 50 years old and the instructor is only 25, only a half of my age. Can he be my Sensei?” To answer this, we have to adjust the time-table to karate time. Suppose he started his karate 10 years ago and you only 5 years ago. He is your Senpai in karate.…
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Sensei
One of the most well known and yet most strange words in the Japanese language is the word Sensie (先生). If you google the word and according to most dictionaries it will quickly describe to you that Sensei means "teacher" when translated to English. That is a good enough translation to begin with, however, as…
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Shōtōkan Katas
Kata has always been an integral part of any Karate practice. In Shōtōkan Karate, Kata is a sequence of pre-arranged movements. The basic goal of Kata is to preserve and transmit proven techniques and to practice self-defence. By practicing in a repetitive manner the learner develops the ability to execute those techniques and movements in…
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Karate Stances
Highest level instructors consider stances as the most important element of kihon. A stance is very much like the foundation of a house, quick to crumble if it is weak. Stances were designed to lower one's center of gravity and thus improve stability. Without a solid stance, an individual cannot deliver a technique with maximum…
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Karate Kicks
Kicking differentiates the martial arts from other styles of fighting. The world of martial arts has many different types of kicks. There are spinning, jumping and flying kicks. Some kicks strike an attacker in the shins, and others strike him in the head. Before attempting more challenging kicking techniques, it is a good idea to…
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Karate Blocks
Blocks (Uke) are used to defend against arm and leg attacks toward any part of the body. They have also been used effectively against weapons attacks, however, this is not recommended. Most Karate blocks are arm techniques done with a closed fist or open hand, but the legs (knees and feet) can also be trained…
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Karate Strikes
Strikes can be quite diverse and are usually performed with different parts of the hand or arm. Each striking technique can impact a target from a multitude of directions and angles, making strikes a Karateka's most versatile weapon. Strikes are most useful against smaller, more specific targets and, as such, require good accuracy. Only those…
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