How to learn a Kata
Learning a Kata is a nuanced process that involves more than just mastering patterns and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Initial Learning. When starting with a new Kata, begin by …
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Author: Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
How to practice Nami-gaeshi
Nami-gaeshi translates into “wave return”, a more understandable description is “returning wave”. The name of the technique refers to the movement that the leg performs. The leg movement resembles an …
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Three levels of bunkai
Bunkai means “to break down”, and thus describes the whole process that lies in breaking down and understanding the application of the techniques in a Kata; we simply peel a …
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Ten Precepts of Karate
In October 1908, Anko Itosu (1831-1915) wrote a letter, “Ten Precepts of Karate,” to draw the attention of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of War in Japan. This …
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Pinan or Heian
What should we call the five basic Kata from Itosu? Pinan or Heian? Itosu Ankō, the creator of the Pinan Kata. Itosu was raised in a strict home of the …
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Evaluating the quality of Kata, part 2
Kata is a series of movements consisting of offensive and defensive combat techniques, which are composed of former Karate masters. To create Kata was a method of remembering techniques, as …
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Evaluating the quality of Kata, part 1
By learning Kata, you get the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the ancient masters. If you perform Kata with the right spirit, confidence, and humility, you will eventually …
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Take a breath
Many people make a big deal out of breathing, however, breathing is one of the first things you do when you are born! Breathe in, breathe out, that’s as simple …
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Practice Kihon
Kihon means basic technique; here we practice the basic techniques repeatedly. In addition to the technical aspects such as punches, blocks, and kicks, proper posture, balance, and breathing are also …
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The word Kime
I have been digging into the use of the word “Kime”. Most Karate people know the word, and most likely the meaning of it. At least they know what their …
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