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The Important of Learning Karate Basics First

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Martial arts strategies to get in shape

At some point everything starts somewhere, there has to be some point of origin, basics are the foundation of something bigger, they are fundamental to any learning or growing process. Karate utilizes a building block foundation as it intertwines a number of dynamic elements that all begin with the ground and feet.

The legs, hips, ankles, and knees are placed to create a proper stance that will deliver powerful kicks. The shoulders, back, elbows, arms, and hands positioning in your stance are key to successfully blocking and striking. There are a number of basic karate moves that each student learns and as he continues to practice them he becomes faster, more agile, and those movements quickly become second nature.

The basic stances in karate are practiced consistently in order to strengthen the student’s lower body, such as the hips and the knees. The horse stance is known as Kiba Dachi (in Japan), the back stance is known as Kokutsu Dachi and the front stance is known as Zenkutsu Dachi. During a match, the use of these stances is meant to be free-flowing. Although they may be practiced at times in a stagnant state, ultimately they are intended to be held for no longer than necessary. The utilization of them properly will provide greater balance, maximize attack abilities, and improve defense tactics.

Basic Hand Striking

There are a number of strikes in karate that utilize the three main joints of arms and hands. These strikes include using the front and back of the fist, fingertips, edge of a closed hand, joints of fingers, edges of an open hand, palm hand, and elbow strikes.

In order for these movements to work to their full potential, the strikes must be rapid with a whip-like motion, meaning the other arm must be involved. Proper forms consist of a kinetic flow of energy, derived from the ground, passed through the body, and exerted in the form of a strike.

Basic Kick Striking

Kicking is another powerful weapon in the martial artist’s arsenal. The edge of the foot, ball of the foot, heel, and instep are all used as the main striking points of kicking.

Balance is also very important and every student must develop his or her balance in order to successfully kick in a controlled manner. There are a number of kicking styles, for example, some kicks are done on one-foot, others in the air, there are side-kicks, spin jumps, snap jump kicks, and many more. Another important element of the kick is in the pullback. When delivering the kick you must pull the kickback sharply, often referred to as re-chambering, or you may end-up off-balance, unprotected, or out of position.

Ultimately, there are a number of basics in karate that the student must learn and practice regularly, Once the student improves he will be capable of progressing his skills. It is much like algebra, one is merely incapable of learning algebra if they have not acquired basic math skills. As with karate, the more one learns and practices, the more advanced they become.