The Japanese phrase Ikken Hissatsu is made up of three kanji, (ichi) meaning “one” , (ken) meaning “fist” and hissatsu meaning “certain kill or death”. To kill with one blow (ikken hissatsu) is a martial arts concept that, in todays modern world, very few karateka adhere to. No one knows for sure when ikken hissatsu more »… Continue Reading
Category Archives: kihon
How To Learn Karate By Yourself
It is possible to learn karate by yourself, but I always recommend joining a professional karate dojo. There is nothing better than being part of a good karate class, where everybody is positive and has great spirit. But if there are no karate classes near, it should not stop you trying to learn karate by more »… Continue Reading
Shotokan Karate Exercises The Hikite Combination
Some of the basic fundamentals in shotokan karate are shomen and hanmi, hikite, using the driving leg, kime and of course many more. In our shotokan karate belt system, we have a combination that covers several of the fundamentals in shotokan karate. We call it the hikite combination and is introduced at brown belt. Many more »… Continue Reading
Kiba Dachi – Horse Riding Stance or Straddle Stance
Here we will look at the shotokan stance, Kiba dachi (straddle stance). Kiba dach is the same length as zenkutsu dachi, the hips should be the same height as zenkutsu dachi. Kiba dachi has the feet in line, toes facing forward. The knees should be bend naturally over the toes. Try and roll the hips more »… Continue Reading
Neko Ashi Dachi (Cat Stance) Shotokan Stances
Neko ashi dachi or cat stance, in shotokan karate, is normally first practiced in the shotokan karate kata, hangetsu (half moon). In the shotokan karate system, neko ashi dachi has 90 percent of the weight on the back leg, with the front leg barely touching the floor. Standing with the feet side by side and more »… Continue Reading
Shotokan Stances Kokutsu Dachi Back Stance
Kokutsu dachi (back stance) Many karateka find this stance the most difficult and out of all the shotokan karate stances, I also feel, this is the hardest to master. Kokutsu dachi should be roughly two shoulder lengths, front foot facing directly forward and back foot facing 90 degrees to the side. The front leg bent more »… Continue Reading
Shotokan karate The Basic Shotokan Stances
Here is an article on the basic shotokan stances, including a few more advanced karate stances. Karate stances form the foundation of your karate, if karateka focus on this area, strong karate is sure to develop. stances do vary from karate dojo to dojo, so please check with your sensei, before you start to practice. more »… Continue Reading
karate Exercise Anaerobic and Aerobic?
when you first start a karate for beginners class, two words that you may hear mentioned are ‘anaerobic’ and ‘aerobic’. If you are looking to improve your fitness, or lose weight through karate training, then having a clear understanding ‘anaerobic’ and ‘aerobic’ is important. Basically aerobic and anaerobic are used to describe two energy systems more »… Continue Reading