Stances — Tachi

A strong, stable stance is the foundation of karate. Proper stance provides balance, power, and mobility. Practice these fundamental positions until they become second nature and instinctive.

Zenkutsu-Dachi (Front Stance)
Kokutsu-Dachi (Back Stance)
Kiba-Dachi (Horse Stance)
Fudo-Dachi (Rooted Stance)
Shiko-Dachi (Square Stance)
Hangetsu-Dachi (Half Moon Stance)
Sanchin-Dachi (Hourglass Stance)
Nekoashi-Dachi (Cat Stance)
Hachiji-Dachi (Natural Stance)
Heiko-Dachi (Parallel Stance)
Musubi-Dachi (Attention Stance)
Kosa-Dachi (Crossed Legs Stance)

Blocks — Uke

Blocking is about defense and redirecting an attacker's force. Master both basic and advanced blocking techniques to protect yourself and set up effective counters and combinations.

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Basic Closed-Hand Blocks

Age-uke (rising block), Soto-uke (outside block), Gedan-barai (downward block), Uchi-uke (inside block). The foundation of all blocking techniques.

Open-Hand Blocks

Shuto-uke (knife hand block), Tate shuto-uke (vertical knife hand), Kake-uke (hook block), Haishu-uke (back hand block). Develop control and precision.

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Double-Hand Blocks

Morote-uke (reinforced block), Kosa-uke (crossed block), Manji-uke (swastika block), Awase-uke (combined block). Increase power and coverage.

Advanced Blocks

Haiwan-uke (arm block), Nagashi-uke (flowing block), Osae-uke (pressing block), Sukui-uke (scooping block). Master subtle defensive techniques.

Punches — Tsuki

The punch is the most fundamental striking technique. From basic straight punches to advanced specialty techniques, master proper form, explosive speed, and transferable power.

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Basic Punches

Choku-zuki (straight punch), Oi-zuki (lunge punch), Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch), Kisami-zuki (front punch). These are your most important striking tools.

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Advanced Punches

Ura-zuki (inner punch), Age-zuki (rising punch), Kagi-zuki (hook punch), Mawashi-zuki (roundhouse punch). Develop versatility and timing.

Double-Hand Punches

Morote-zuki (reinforced punch), Yama-zuki (mountain punch), Yumi-zuki (bow punch), Heiko-zuki (parallel punch). Create combinations and momentum.

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Spear-Hand & Knuckle Punches

Ippon-nukite (spear hand), Ippon-ken (one-knuckle punch), Hiraken (two-knuckle punch), Nakadaka-ippon-ken. Precision striking techniques.

Kicks — Keri

Kicks provide reach, power, and dynamic movement. From basic front kicks to advanced spinning kicks, develop balance, flexibility, and explosive leg power.

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Basic Kicks

Mae-geri (front kick), Yoko-geri-keage (side kick snap), Yoko-geri-kekomi (side kick thrust), Mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick). Master the essential kicking techniques.

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Advanced Kicks

Ushiro-geri (back kick), Ura-mawashi-geri (reverse roundhouse), Mikazuki-geri (crescent kick), Tobi-geri (jumping kick). Develop advanced kicking skills.

Non-Traditional Kicks

Ushiro-ura-mawashi-geri (spinning back), Ura-mikazuki-geri (reverse crescent), Kagi-geri (hook kick), Otoshi-kakato-geri (downward heel).

Strikes — Uchi

Striking techniques use different parts of the body — elbows, knees, and open hands — to create varied, powerful, and effective attacks for real combat applications.

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Roundhouse Strikes

Kentsui-uchi (hammerfist), Uraken-uchi (backfist), Shuto-uchi (knife hand strike), Teisho (palm strike). Develop striking variety and power.

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Animal Strikes

Keito (chicken head wrist), Seiryuto (ox jaw), Kakuto (crane wrist), Kumade (bear hand), Washide (eagle hand). Specialized striking methods from traditional karate.

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Smashing Techniques

Empi-uchi (elbow strike), Hiza-tsuchi (knee strike), Fumikomi (stamping kick), Ashi-barai (leg sweep). Close-range and aggressive techniques.

Perfect Your Fundamentals

Use the Movements app to practice each technique with video demonstrations and get real-time feedback on your form and execution.

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