Techniques
The basic techniques of Karate are essential. A student must understand the
proper techniques if he or she wishes to apply them correctly, whether that
application is a kata or a real fighting situation.
Basic techniques are not impressive or spectacular, nor are they meant to be.
They are effective and practical, and will teach a person to use his or her
body to its full potential.
It should be remembered that these techniques are skills to be learned, and
they are not without reward. A student will learn to control every aspect of
their body and increase balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, and speed.
Techniques should be practiced slowly and carefully at the beginning so that
an appreciation of the correct movements can be acheived. Once the technique
can be performed correctly, speed should be increased. The addition of
speed to the proper technique will result in a very powerful conclusion.
Points to remember for all techniques
Posture
Maintaining a natural, relaxed and upright posture in the back and upper body
allows a student to shift his or her weight quickly in any direction, using
direct and efficient motions that are quick and imperceptible. Good posture
means a student can align his or her limbs and joints to deliver force to a
target without compromising body structure. At impact, the striking limb will
have kinetic energy that is distributed during contact. Without correct posture
and muscle control, the energy of that strike will be dissipated in one’s own
body, rather than the target. The technique will "bounce off", and
will not be nearly as devastating as it could be.
Breathing
Exhaling in synch with a strike helps to contract the core body muscles, and
it also serves as a mental focus aid.
