Training Tips

 

Welcome to the Training Tips Home Page.  Kihon (Basics), Kata (Forms) and Kumite (Sparring) make up the three main technical components of Karate.  In this section you will find advice on the key points of Kihon (Basics) as well as Kata (Forms) and Kumite (Fighting).  There are currently some downloadable kata videos on this site and there will be plenty more to come in the way of tips and lessons that will help you improve your Karate.

First of all however here is a brief description of the three Ks in Karate - Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

 

Kihon - Basics

             Basics are the most important aspect of your Karate.  Practicing Karate without basics is like trying to build a house without first laying the foundation.

Basics consist of punches, kicks, blocks and strikes and encompass many different techniques with many different applications.  Ultimately your ability to be good at Karate depends on your ability to master the basics.  This is true in any pursuit that you undertake and that is why Karate training has many parallels with your everyday life.

 

Kata - Forms

             Kata put all of your basics together and give them structure through learning set forms.  A Kata (or form) is a series of techniques (basics) put into a string of offensive and defensive moves with the purpose of showing the Karate-ka (Karate practitioner) different ways of applying the same techniques in different situations while also providing an interesting method of practicing basic techniques.

 

Kumite - Sparring/Partner work

             Kumite or partner work takes several forms.  There are pre-arranged sets of five-step, three-step and one-step sequences and there are many sets of sequences performed from a free posture.  All of this training leads towards what is called “jiyu-kumite” which is free sparring in the truest sense.  Free sparring is when all of the kihon (basics) that have been learnt are put to the test against an opponent, usually of equal or better skill.

 

For specific tips on each of the three Ks of Karate - (Kihon, Kata and Kumite) please click on the relevant link.

 

If you are looking for additional information that you would like to follow up on with your study then go to our Links and Resources page in this section and you will find a list of relevant books, magazines and videos.

 

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Basics are very important when it comes to Karate.  Basics form the foundation upon which your Karate is built.

Kata string the basics together and give them a meaning.

Kumite offers the chance to apply the techniques that you have already learned.