Shuto-uke, also known as knife-hand block, is a fundamental technique in Shotokan Karate. This technique is used to defend against strikes, such as punches or strikes to the head or neck. The technique begins with the practitioner standing in a natural stance, with their feet shoulder-width apart and their weight evenly distributed between both legs.…
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Musubi-dachi (Attention stance)
Musubi dachi is one of the basic stances in karate. Musubi Dachi is an informal stance with the heels together and the feet directed outwards at 45 degrees. This is a good stance to use prior to getting into a ‘getting ready’ position. During this stance there is no readiness or plan for the any action.…
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Nekoashi-dachi (Cat stance)
Nekoashi-dachi is one of the signature stances of the Goju Kai karate style, and was in fact created by its founder Gogen "The Cat" Yamaguchi. Anyone who's ever seen a movie with Ninjas in it will immediately recognise this stance. It's the classical stalking posture used by movie-Ninjas to sneak up on their prey. In…
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Uchi-uke (Inside block)
Some people believe that this block used to be far more aggressive than the form in which we practice. It's easy to see how, with virtually no modification, by using the side of the fist in a hammerfist form, this block could be used as a strike, perhaps to the side of the head or…
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Zenkutsu-dachi (Front stance)
Forward stance is one of karate's bread-and-butter stances, and it's the first fighting stance that most students learn. It's a versatile stance, from which you can perform most strikes, blocks and kicks. It's an excellent stance from which to practice hip rotation. It forms the basis of the first kata. Forward stance was one of…
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Gedan-barai (Lower Block)
Guys will appreciate the value of this block rather more than girls. Not only does this one protect your stomach and abdomen, but it also protects your privates. Of all the ones you want to get right, this is the main one, eh guys? Of course, a lady's delicate bits may be inside, but that…
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Morote-zuki (Double-handed punch)
Morote-zuki, also known as the double-handed punch, is a powerful technique used in Shotokan Karate. This technique is a combination of two punches, one delivered with the lead hand and the other with the rear hand. The combination of the two punches can deliver a powerful and fast strike to the opponent. The technique begins…
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