Karate

Welcome to our series, Learning Karate with Sensei Clement Sequeira & Cletus Sequeira – national level medalists and authorized instructors with over 25 years of experience. Clement Sequeira, a 4th Dan Black Belt holder, is a World Union of Karate Continental referee and a Karate Association of India National judge. We will be going on a journey to discover everything that will make you a good karateka i.e., a Karate practitioner.

First, a brief introduction to Karate.

Karate is a martial art, predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open hand techniques like knife-hand, spear-hand, palm-heel strikes, etc. Some styles also use grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and strikes to some vital points.

A karate practitioner is called a KARATEKA.

Karate is commonly divided into:

KIHON (basics or fundamentals)

The practice and mastery of kihon is essential to all advanced training and includes the practice of correct body form and breathing while practicing basics such as stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts.

KATA (forms)

Kata means "form" and refers to a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements made to be practiced alone or within groups and unison when training. Katas start with basic formations and movements in the beginner grades and move on to complex and intense ones.

KUMITE (sparring)

Kumite is the part of Karate. A person trains against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata. Kumite training is used to hone one's reflexes and speed and use the techniques used during training in real-time situations and competitions where karatekas spar against each other for points.

Karatekas go through rigorous training under a trained teacher and are awarded colored belts according to the Kyu and Dan grading system. Beginners start with a higher numbered grade (10th Kyu) and progress to a lower-numbered Kyu. The Dan progression starts from lower numbers (1st Dan) and moves to higher ranks. The Kyu ranks are typically colored belts. A Dan rank is a Black Belt with progressive levels as per proficiency achieved.

Over the next few blogs, we will talk about the various techniques, forms, terminology, training, conditioning, and application of the art of Karate.

A karateka needs to enroll and train under a Sensei (teacher) under a Dojo (a martial arts training school).

Karate Gi

Once enrolled, the Karateka is given a Gi and is expected to appear in the Gi, at all times, when practicing Karate. Karate Gi is the formal Japanese name for the traditional uniform used for Karate practice and competition. It consists of a loose-fitting long-sleeved type top with lapels overlapping each other and secured by the Obi or the karate belt. The bottom is a loose-fitting pant, ending above the ankle.

The Gi is designed so that it allows free movement of the hands and feet and doesn't restrict the Karateka in their practice.

Obi

The Obi or the karate belt is made of thick layered fabric, usually cotton, and is about 5 cms wide. The Obi is most often worn in the koma-musubi knot, referred to as the square knot. The colour of the Obi signifies the wearer's skill level. Usually, the colors start from white for beginners and end in black or red-and-white for masters.

Bowing

The training session starts with the Karateka bowing to the Sensei, called Rei, and then moving on to a ready position known as Yoi. It is a general practice in the Karate fraternity to bow to seniors and instructors and also before the start and end of any Kihon, Kata, or Kumite. Lessons at the Dojo start
with meditation, the followed by the bow (which is also done at the end of the class).

Karate has many styles – sport, modern, and traditional among them – as it has evolved with a focus on either the sports or spiritual aspect. We are going to learn about the Budokan style of Karate. The art form prioritizes self-discipline and respect to both master and karatekas.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through the different karate punches and their application.

Punches are the most common form of attack where a blow is delivered to the opponent with the help of a closed fist, using the knuckles (top two or bottom three) by straightening the elbow and with a twist of the hip.

The straight punch is the most commonly used one. Let's look at the variety of attacks that are done using this punch.

For the punch to be effective, the formation of the fist is important. The fingers are folded to the base of the palm and are further folded to form a fist. The thumb then folds over the clenched fingers to form a fist. The thumb should remain locked in.

Generally, the top two knuckles are used as an impact point in most karate styles to deliver the punch. While punching, the fist twists just at the point of impact to deliver greater power, like a screw being driven in.

Punches are used in all forms of karate while performing Kihon, Katas, and Kumite. This punch originates from the backhand of the attacker and is delivered with a thrust of the hip.

In Karate practice, the following punches are generally used.

Forward / Mid-level punch: This punch is generally aimed at the solar plexus or the opponent's chest area.

Upward / Face level punch: This punch, as the name suggests, is an upward attach and is aimed at the attacker or opponent's face.

Downward / Groin-level punch: This punch is generally aimed at the groin area of the opponent.

Punches are also used in combination with combinations being multiple punches or in combination with blocks. Maintaining eye contact with your opponent is very important while punching. Impact points must also be the same, except in case of double punches when impact points must bealong the same vertical line.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through the different kinds of blocks in karate.

Blocks or Uke in Karate are used to defend against arm or leg attacks and sometimes against blunt weapon (stick) attacks. Most Karate blocks are arm techniques done with a closed fist or an open hand and are used in self-defense, Kihon, Katas, Kumite, etc. It enables you deflect the energy from your opponent.

Gedan-Barai (Down/Downward Block)

The Gedan-Barai or down block is used to block or deflect attacks from low angles like an opponent's kick.

Age – Uke (Upward/Rising Block

The Age-Uke block or rising / upper block is used to block or deflect attacks from high angles such as a club or a stick swinging downward towards one's head.

Uchi – Uke (Inside / Inner forearm Block)

The Uchi - Uke block, or the Inside/ Inner forearm block, uses the forearm to block. The hand moves from the inside to the outside. The Uchi-Uke block can also be used as a strike because the karetaka is striking/hard blocking an opponent's attacking arm.

Soto – Uke (Outer / Outer forearm Block)

Soto-Uke, or "From the Outside Block", also "Outside Block", is the arm movement from the outside to the inside. The Soto-Uke block is very versatile, and it can be used to block or strike. As a block, it can be used as protection against a forward strike to face, a forward strike to the chest, a forward strike to the stomach area, or a round house kick to the head. As a strike, it can be used to target areas such as the head, neck, or ribs

Shuto – Uke (Knife Hand Block)

Shuto-Uke, or "Knife Hand Block", uses an open hand (fingers together) versus a closed fist. The rigid open hand of the Shuto-Uke (or knife hand block) extends the reach of the block (versus the slightly "shorter" reach of a closed fist block). A knife hand block can also be more quickly and be turned to grab an opponent's arm or clothes.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through the basic stances in karate practice.

Stances are the posture you use in Karate that help you shift from one move to the other that help you distribute bodyweight and help you stand firm on your feet. There are three basic stances.

Horse Stance (Kiba Dachi)

The horse stance mimics the horse rider on horseback. This stance is not only useful in real-time fighting but is also used a lot during exercises and when practicing various techniques, such as the blocks and punches.

This stance works on developing balance, strengthening the legs, the core, and the back. The stance is formed generally by placing the feet apart, twice the shoulder’s width, with feet pointing forward and parallel to each other, thighs parallel to the ground, buttocks pointing out, and the back straight.

#Tip: Practice your blocks and punches in this stance.

Forward Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi)

The forward stance or the front stance may also be called the forward leaning stance is a stance or posture in martial arts, especially in Karate. It is one of the basic stances in Karate.

The stance is in a forward lunge position, with the front leg bent at the knee and the practitioner's weight on the front leg, but unlike the lunge, the back leg is straight. The feet are placed just about shoulder width, and the hips and shoulders remain facing forward. While the stance is useful for forward and backward movements and to strike forward with great agility and power, it only helps limited movement in any other direction.

This stance is not only useful in actual fighting but is also used a lot during exercises and when practicing various techniques in forward and backward movements, such as the blocks and punches and kicks.

#Tip: Practice your blocks and punches and kicks in this stance.

Back Stance (Kōkutsu Dachi)

The back stance, or a backward long stance, is a stance or posture in martial arts, especially in Karate. It is one of the basic stances in Karate.

In this stance, the rear leg is bent strongly at the knee, and the front leg is either straight or slightly bent, depending on the style. The back foot is turned 90 degrees to the side. The body is turned 90 degrees or more away, except for the head, which looks to the front. Kokutsu-dachi is a great defensive stance because of the amount of energy stored in the rear leg, ready for a counter-attack.

#Tip: Practice your knife hand blocks and turning and slap kicks in this stance.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira will take you through the applications of Blocks using Stances.

There are 5 basic blocks in Karate:

The Upward Block

The Downward Block

The Inner Forearm Block

The Outer Forearm Block

The Knife Hand Block

They are generally practiced in a Horse Stance for improving accuracy and form. The Karateka assumes Horse stance and holds both his palms in a fist, with the fist facing upward and the elbows protruding backwards. The Karateka then starts with the blocks, generally beginning with the left hand. For the second block, while the right hand moves to block, the left hand is retracted to its original position with a "pull back" while the right hand completes it. All the blocks can be practiced in this form, as we will see in the video.

The above blocks, especially the first four, are also used in a Forward Stance while defending against the opponent's attack. When the Karateka is in a forward stance, the Karateka blocks the opponents' attack with the appropriate block. The block is always on the leading foot. However, the Knife hand Block is used in a back stance with the Karateka's leading hand executing the block against the attack, the block always being on the leading foot.

All the above blocks can be used in a forward moving action or backward moving action depending on the type of the defense. These combinations of blocks using forward stance or back stance and their forward and backward movements are used in Kihon, Kata and in Kumite practice and form a basis of most of the defense movements used in Karate Practice.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira will take you through the applications of punches using stances. There are three basic punches:

The Forward / Mid-level punch

Upward / Face level punch

Downward / Groin-level punch

These punches are practiced in a Horse Stance for improving accuracy and form.

The Karateka assumes Horse stance and holds both his palms in a fist, with the fist facing upward and the elbows protruding backwards. The Karateka then starts with the punches, generally beginning with the left hand. For the second punch, while the right hand moves to punch, the left hand is retracted to its original position with a "pull back" while the right hand completes the punch. All the punches and their combinations can be practiced in this form, as we will see in the video.

The punches are also used in a Forward Stance while attacking the opponent. When the karateka is in a forward stance and moving forward, the karateka punches the opponent with the appropriate punch. The punch can be on the leading or the reverse foot. It can be a combination of variety plus multiple punches. It can be performed moving forward or moving backward depending on the type of attack the karateka wants to unleash.

These combinations of punches using forward stance with forward and backward movements are used in Kihon, Kata and in Kumite practice. They form the basis of most of the attack / offensive movements used in Karate Practice.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira talk about doing both punches and blocks with horse and forward stances, in different combinations.

As a beginner, a Karateka should have learnt the proper form for blocking and punching and movements in forward and backward directions using basic stances. The next level of practice to gain agility and variety is to learn to use these blocks and punches in combination, using stances.

For the sake of practice, even though a karateka knows to block or punch properly, the forward and backward movements using these techniques, especially a combination of blocks and punches is very important to the development of a karateka as swift and agile in practice as well as action. These combination movements are used in basic as well as advanced practice of Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

While in the Horse stance, the blocks and punches are done in a static stance and can be used in any combination. For instance, being in a Horse stance, a karateka can ward off an attack to the head with an upper block and use the other hand to punch the opponent. Similarly, an inner forearm block can be used to ward off a punch and use the other hand to punch the opponent. We will see the illustration in this video. Practicing these combinations not only help build accuracy and form, but also helps build speed and agility.

The combination of blocks and punches used in a Forward Stance is generally practiced as forward or backward movements and are used in any combination. For instance, in a forward stance, the karateka blocks an opponent's forward kick with a downward block. It attacks the opponent with a middle punch. This same combination can be performed in a backward movement also.

These combinations of blocks and punches using Horse and forward stance. Their movements are used in Kihon, Kata and in Kumite practice and form a basis of majority of the attack / offensive movements used in Karate Practice.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira teach you how to do a back fist and hammer fist.

A back fist is used to hit the opponent with the back of your fist & knuckles. This technique can be used as a finisher to disorient an attacker or strike the bridge of the opponent's nose to attack or make an escape.

The back fist is often used to surprise an opponent, as a come-back technique after the karateka has missed a straight punch. In Karate, a back-fist strike is known as Uraken Uchi.

A hammer fist is executed by swinging their clenched fist downwards or sideways to the target (i.e., an attacker's nose, chin, or head. This strike is safer to the hand because the point of impact is the "padded" bottom of a clenched fist.

A few types of Back fist attacks:

1. Backfist strike to the side of the chin:

1. Backfist strike to the bottom of the chin:

1. Backfist strike upwards, to the top of the head:

1. Backfist strike to the bridge of the nose:

A few types of Hammer fist attacks:

1. Hammer fist strike sideways

1. Hammer fist strike forwards

1. Hammer fist strike to the head

A backfist or hammer fist is most effective when used against the opponent's body's soft, vulnerable areas. Regardless of the opponent's size, a proper back/hammer fist will usually leave them unable to continue the attack.

The places where you can attack an opponent with a back/hammer fist are usually the nose, eyes, ears, neck, throat, temple, jaw, etc. Sometimes, even a good blow to the collarbone can disable the opponent.

Backfists and hammer fists are practiced using different stances and we will see how their application is in real-time attack/defense scenario in an illustration.

Backfist and hammer fist techniques are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. They are an excellent weapon for the karateka to destabilize the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira teach you how to do the front kick.

A front kick is a basic yet powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The front kick mainly aims to hit the opponent's middle/groin region using the ball of the foot. In Japanese terminology, especially in Karate practice, the front kick is known as "Mae Geri."

The front kick requires flexibility of the body's legs and balance while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, the karateka goes through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Front kick with back leg

In this technique, the karateka lifts up his back leg in a forward stance, bends at the knee while transferring the weight onto the leading leg, and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the ball of the foot. The kicking leg lands back and forms a forward-stance position.

Front kick with leading leg

In this technique, the karateka lifts up his leading leg in a forward stance, bends at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the ball of the foot. The kicking leg lands down and forms a forward-stance position.

Scissor-move front kick

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, drags his back leg, joins it with the leading leg, lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the ball of the foot. The kicking leg lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Jumping front kick

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, jumps up with the front leg as a pivot, lifts up his back leg, jumping up, and kicks with the front leg. The strike is with the ball of the foot. The kicking leg lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira will be teaching you how to do the side kick.

The side kick is a basic yet powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The side kick mainly aims to hit the upper / chest or the middle region of the opponent using the side of the foot. In Japanese terminology, especially in Karate practice, the side kick is known as "Yoko Geri"

The side kick requires flexibility of the body's legs and balance while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Side kick with back leg

In this technique, the karateka lifts up his back leg in a forward stance, bending at the knee and doing a 90-degree turn, transferring the weight onto the center and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the side of the foot. The kicking leg lands back and forms a forward-stance position.

Side kick with leading leg

In this technique, the karateka lifts up his leading leg in a forward stance, bending at the knee, twisting at the waist, while transferring the weight onto the back leg and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the side of the foot. The kicking leg lands down and forms a forward-stance position.

Scissor-move side kick

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, drags his back leg, back and across the leading leg, lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, and thrusts the foot forward, making a strike with the side of the foot. The kicking leg lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Jumping or flying side kick:

In this technique, in a back stance, the karateka jumps up with both the legs drawn up and kicks with the leading leg while still airborne. The strike is with the side of the leg. The karateka lands down into a back stance.

Foot & leg sweeps are an effective way to knock over an opponent. They are used in most martial arts, especially in Judo and Karate.

Sweeps often employ a kick or grappling technique to strike one or both legs of an opponent in order to cause the opponent to lose their balance and fall to the ground. The attacker can then grapple, kick or strike the fallen opponent who will be in a disadvantageous position and possibly stunned by the fall.

We will learn a type of sweeps here: (Tough to describe, let's do live video demonstration)

1. Back Leg sweep

1. Front leg scissor sweep

1. Reverse sweep

1. Circle sweep

Sweeps are generally used in combination with punches, kicks, back fists or hammer fists.

Because sweeping involves catching the opponent off-guard and making them lose balance, it is very important for the practitioner to have total balance otherwise, there is a risk of losing balance and falling down and being an easy target of the opponents' attack.

These techniques are an essential part of the Kihon, Kata and Kumite practice.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through Kihon techniques for white belts.

For a karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps, etc. In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a white belt karateka.

All the below techniques are done in a forward stance position.

1. Down Block, reverse punch

1. Upper Block, reverse punch

1. Inner forearm block, reverse punch

1. Outer forearm block, reverse punch

1. Down Block, double punch

1. Upper Block, double punch

1. Inner forearm block, double punch

1. Outer forearm block, double punch

These techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through Kata Taikyoku Shodan, the first of the Katas of the Taikyoku series - a basic learner's Kata.

In this kata, the Karateka uses the following:

Forward stance – forward movements with down blocks

Forward stance - back turns with blocks

Forward stance - sideways turns with blocks

Forward movements with punches

This kata adds to the skills that you have already picked as a part of this series.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira take you through the Kihon Techniques for Yellow Belts. For a karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, and sweeps.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a yellow belt karateka. Let's look at techniques done in a forward stance position.

1. Down Block, same hand inner forearm block, punch

1. Upper Block, same hand outer forearm block, punch

1. Inner forearm block, Upper block, punch

1. Outer forearm block, Down Block, punch

1. Down Block, Back fist strike, punch

1. Upper Block, Back fist strike, punch

1. Inner forearm block, back fist strike, punch

1. Outer forearm block, back fist strike, punch

1. Front kick, leg forward, down block, reverse punch

1. Side kick, leg forward, upper block, reverse punch

All the techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through Kata Taikyoku Sandan, the third of the Katas of the Taikyoku series - a basic learner's Kata. In this Kata, the Karateka uses the following:

Back Stance – sideways movement – Inner forearm block

Forward stance to back stance back turns - Inner forearm block

Forward stance - sideways turns with blocks

Forward movements with punches

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through Chops and Open Hand Strikes. They are used to hit the opponent with your palm's heel/edge. This technique can be used as an attack or a finisher to disorient an attacker or strike the opponent's chin, chest, neck/throat, face, or groin to attack or make an escape.

Chops and hand strikes are executed by swinging open hand/palms upwards, downwards, or sideways to the target, i.e., an attacker's chin, chest, neck/throat face, or groin.

Chops and hand strikes are most effective when used against the opponent's body's soft, vulnerable areas. Regardless of the opponent's size, this kind of attack will usually leave them unable to continue the attack.

Open Hand Strikes:

Open hand/palm strike forward – to the chest

Open hand/finger strike forward – to the neck/throat

Open hand/knuckle strike forward – to the chest

Open hand/knuckle strike forward – to the neck/throat

Palm heel strike – face

Palm heel strike – groin

Chops:

Neck Chop, forward, sideways

Neck Chop, Inward, Sideways

Collarbone Chop

Reverse chop

Finger Strikes:

Chops and open hands strikes are practiced in real-time attack/defense scenarios using different stances.

Chops and open hands strike techniques are used in Kihon, Kata, and Kumite's varied applications and are a great weapon for the Karateka to destabilize the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through elbow strikes and techniques. They are used to hit the opponent with the elbow. This technique can be used as an attack or a finisher to disorient an attacker or strike the opponent's chin, chest, and ribs to attack or make an escape.

Elbow strikes are executed by moving the elbows upwards, downwards, or sideways to the target, i.e., an attacker's chin, chest, ribs, etc.

Chops and hand strikes are most effective when used against the opponent's body's soft, vulnerable areas. Regardless of the opponent's size, this kind of attack will usually leave them unable to continue the attack.

Types of Elbow Strikes:

Sideways elbow strike to the jaw

Upwards elbow strike to the chin

Sideways elbow strike to the ribcage

Backwards elbow strike to the chest

Downwards elbow strike

Four direction elbow techniques – for practice

Attack and defense techniques for using elbow strikes - self defense

Elbow strikes are practiced using different stances and we will see how their application is in real-time attack/defense scenario in an illustration.

Elbow strike techniques are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the Karateka to destabilize the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira take you through the turning kick. It is an intermediate and powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The turning kick mainly aims to hit the chest, face, or head of the opponent using the ball/instep of the foot. In Japanese terminology, especially in Karate practice, the turning kick is known as "Mawashi Geri."

The turning kick requires flexibility of the legs and balance of the body while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Turning kick with back leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, lifts up his back leg, folded at the knee, with the knee pointing sideways, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, balancing the weight on the leading leg, and thrusts the foot forward, in a twisting move making a strike with ball/instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands back and forms a back-stance position. Turning kick with leading leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward in a twisting move making a strike with the ball/instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Scissor-move turning kick:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, drags his back leg, joins it with the leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward, in a twisting move making a strike with the ball/instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Jumping turning kick:

In this technique, the karateka lifts the front leg in a back stance and, with a jump, lands the back leg using it as a pivot while using the leading leg to deliver a turning kick, the same way as the front leg turning kick. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the karateka to attack the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeria and Cletus Sequeria talk about the slap kick. It is an advanced powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The slap kick mainly aims at hitting the face/head/back of the opponent using the toes and top of the foot.

The slap kick requires flexibility of the body's legs and balance while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Slap kick with back leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, lifts up his back leg, folded at the knee, with the knee pointing sideways, makes a 45 degree turn at the hip, balancing the weight on the leading leg and thrusts the foot forward, in a slapping move making a strike with the toes/top of the foot. The kicking leg then lands back and forms a back-stance position.

Slap kick with leading leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward, in a slapping move making a strike with the toes/top of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Scissor-move slap kick:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, drags his back leg, joins it with the leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward, in a slapping move making a strike with the toes/top of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position. Jumping slap kick:

In this technique, the karateka lifts the front leg in a back stance and, with a jump, lands the back leg using it as a pivot while using the leading leg to deliver a slap kick, the same way as the front leg slap kick. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the karateka to attack the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through techniques for orange belts. For a karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps, etc.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for an orange belt karateka. The ones we discuss in this video are done in a back-stance position.

1. Slide front leg to forward stance, down block, same hand inner forearm block, same hand back fist strike, move forward with knife hand block.

1. Slide front to forward stance, upper block, same hand outer forearm block, same hand back fist strike, move with knife hand block.

1. Slide front leg to forward stance, down block, same hand inner forearm block, reverse punch, front kick, keep the leg forward, knife hand block (k.h.b.)

1. Slide front leg to forward stance, upper block, same hand outer forearm block, reverse punch, side kick, keep the leg forward, k.h.b.

1. Slide the front leg to forward stance, down block, punch, slide the same leg to back stance, inner forearm block, move forward, horse stance, hammer fist strike.

1. Slide the front leg to forward stance, upper block, punch, slide the same leg o back stance, outer forearm block, move forward, horse stance, hammer fist strike.

All the techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through Kata Heian Shodan. This Kata is the first of the Katas of the Heian series and is a basic learner's Kata. Most of the karate styles start with this Kata in the beginner's series.

In this Kata, the Karateka uses the following:

Back stance movements using Knife hand blocks

Forward stance movements using upper blocks

Side fist block

Upper block/hand breaking techniques

Counterattack against Sweeps

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira take you through foot and leg sweeps. They are an effective way to knock over an opponent. They are used in most martial arts, especially in Judo and Karate.

Sweeps often employ a kick or grappling technique to strike one or both opponents' legs to cause the opponent to lose their balance and fall to the ground. The attacker can then grapple, kick, or strike the fallen opponent who will be in a disadvantageous position and possibly stunned by the fall.

We will learn about the four type of sweeps here:

1. Back Leg sweep

1. Front leg scissor sweep

1. Reverse sweep

1. Circle sweep

Sweeps are generally used in combination with punches, kicks, back fists, or hammer fists.

Because sweeping involves catching the opponent off-guard and making them lose balance, the practitioner needs to have total balance; otherwise, there is a risk of losing balance and falling down and being an easy target of the opponents' attack. These techniques are an essential part of the Kihon, Kata, and Kumite practice.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira are taking you through the back kick. It is an intermediate and powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The back kick mainly aims to hit the chest, face/head/ of the opponent using the foot's heel.

The back kick requires flexibility of the legs and balance of the body while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Back kick with back leg, backwards

In this technique, the karateka, in a forward stance, lifts up his back leg, folded at the knee, with the knee pointing towards his chest, while balancing the weight on the leading leg and thrusts the leg backward, making a strike with the heel. The kicking leg then lands back and forms a forward-stance position.

Back kick with leading leg, backwards

In this technique, the karateka, in a forward stance, lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, and thrusts the foot backward, making a strike with the heel. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a forward-stance position.

Back kick with back leg, forward (Turning)

In this technique, the karateka, in a forward stance, lifts up his back leg, folded at the knee, with the knee pointing towards his chest, while balancing the weight on the leading leg, makes a 180 degree turn and thrusts the leg backward, making a strike with the heel. The kicking leg then lands back and forms a forward-stance position after getting back to the original stance.

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the Karateka to attack the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira take you through the Techniques for Green Belts. For a karateka to learn the basics of the green belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps, etc.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a green belt karateka.

Let's look at the techniques done in a back-stance position.

1. Back leg sweep, leg forward to back stance, outer forearm block, forward stance, reverse punch

1. Front leg scissor sweep, back stance outer forearm block, forward stance reverse punch

1. Reverse sweep, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Circle sweep, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Back leg sweep, same leg side kick, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Front leg scissor sweep, turn, back kick, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Reverse sweep, back leg front kick, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Circle sweep, back leg turning kick, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Back leg sweep, same leg reverse sweep, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

1. Front leg scissor sweep, turn, back leg circle sweep, back stance inner forearm block, forward stance reverse punch.

All the techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka.

Sensei Clement Sequeira are taking you through Kata Heian Nidan. It is the second of the Katas of the Heian series and is a basic learner's kata. Let's look at the stances it uses.

Back stance movements using Knife hand blocks / 45-degree movements

Back stance movements using Elbow Strikes / Blocks

Half Stances - Forward

Forward stance movements using Down, upper, Inner forearm blocks

Openhand taps / blocks and finger thrusts

Backfist, side kick

Inner forearm block, front kick

Down block, grab and Elbow breaks

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira take you through the Crescent Kick.

The crescent kick is an intermediate and powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The crescent kick mainly aims at hitting the face/head/ of the opponent using the in-sole or outer sole of the foot.

The crescent kick requires flexibility of the legs and balance of the body while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Back Leg Inner Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his back leg with his knee up his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an inward crescent sweeping motion basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The back leg then lands back to form a forward stance.

Back Leg Outer Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his back leg with his knee up his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an outward crescent sweeping motion basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The back leg then lands back to form a forward stance.

Front Leg Inner Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his front leg with his knee up his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an inward crescent sweeping motion basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The front leg then lands down to form a forward stance.

Front Leg Outer Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his front leg with his knee up his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an outward crescent sweeping motion basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The front leg then lands down to form a forward stance.

There are a few remaining and similar moves.

1. Scissor move inner crescent kick – similar to front leg inner crescent kick, but with a scissor move.

1. Scissor move outer crescent kick – similar to front leg outer crescent kick, but with a scissor move.

1. Jumping inner crescent kick – similar to back leg inner crescent kick, but with a jumping move.

1. Jumping outer crescent kick – similar to back leg outer crescent kick, but with a jumping move.

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the Karateka to attack the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira will take you through the Spinning Kick, or the turning kick. It is an intermediate and powerful kick to attack an opponent in karate practice as well as self-defense. The turning kick mainly aims at hitting the chest, face/head/ of the opponent using the ball/instep of the foot. In Japanese terminology, especially in Karate practice, the turning kick is known as "Ura Mawashi Geri."

The turning kick requires flexibility of the legs and balance of the body while kicking to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Forward Stance:

Back leg hook kick

Back Stance:

Back leg hook kick

Scissor move hook kick, front leg

Traditional hook kick vs. modern sport hook kick

Turning kick with back leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance lifts up his back leg, folded at the knee, with the knee pointing sideways, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, balancing the weight on the leading leg, and thrusts the foot forward, in a twisting move making a strike with ball/instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands back and forms a back-stance position.

Turning kick with leading leg:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance lifts up his leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward in a twisting move making a strike with the ball / instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

Scissor-move turning kick:

In this technique, the karateka, in a back stance, drags his back leg, joins it with the leading leg, bending at the knee while transferring the weight onto the back leg, makes a 90 degree turn at the hip, and thrusts the foot forward, in a twisting move making a strike with the ball/instep of the foot. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position. Jumping turning kick:

In this technique, the karateka lifts the front leg in a back stance and, with a jump, lands the back leg using it as a pivot while using the leading leg to deliver a turning kick, the same way as the front leg turning kick. The kicking leg then lands down and forms a back-stance position.

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the karateka to attack the opponent.

Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira will take you through the techniques for Blue Belts. For a karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps, etc.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a blue belt karateka. These techniques are done in a forward-stance position.

Inner crescent kick, same leg side kick, forward stance, down block, punch.

Inner crescent kick, same leg turning kick, forward stance, down block punch.

Inner crescent kick, turn, back leg front back kick, forward stance down block, punch.

Inner crescent kick, same leg hook kick, forward stance, down block, punch.

Outer crescent kick, same leg side kick, forward stance, down block, punch

Outer crescent kick, same leg turning kick, forward stance, down block, punch.

Outer crescent kick, back leg side kick, forward stance, down block punch.

Outer crescent kick, back leg turning kick, forward stance, down block punch.

All the above techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka. We shall see each technique with forward and backward movements and the attack and counter attack movements.

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Heian Sandan. This kata is the third of the Heian series' katas and is a basic learner's kata. In this kata, the Karateka uses the following:

Back Stance movements, Inner forearm blocks + hand grab and releases

Horse stance movements with hammer fists

Elbow blocks and back fist combination movements

Backward punches

The movements from this kata onwards begin to become complex.

Sensei Clement Sequeria and Cletus Sequeria will take you through the Techniques for Purple Belts. For a karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps, etc.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a purple belt karateka. They are done in a forward-stance position.

1. Move forward down block, reverse punch, inner forearm block, back leg front kick, leg back, down block.

1. Move forward, upper block, reverse punch, outer forearm block, back leg side kick, leg back, upper block.

1. Move forward inner forearm block, reverse punch, upper block, back leg turning kick, leg back, inner forearm block.

1. Move forward outer forearm block, reverse punch, down block, back leg front back kick, leg back, outer forearm block.

1. Move forward down block, same hand inner forearm block, same hand upper block, same hand back fist strike, reverse punch, back leg inner crescent kick, back leg front back kick, leg forward down block punch.

1. Move forward upper block, same hand outer forearm block, same hand down block, same hand back fist strike, reverse punch, inner crescent kick, back leg spinning kick, leg forward, down block punch.

All these techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. They aim at building basic defense and counterattack capabilities in a karateka.

Sensei Clement Sequeira takes you through Kata Bassai Dai which is an advanced learner's kata bringing into use some advanced techniques and swift movements.

In this kata, the Karateka uses the following movements.

Forward stance

Back stance

Horse stance

Turns

Shin side kicks

Wrist grabs

Puls and throws

Blocks and breaks

Double hand punches

Crescent kicks

Hammer fists

Rib attacks

Groin attacks

Sweeps

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Tekki Nidan, which is the second of the Katas of the Tekki series and is an advanced learner's Kata. In this Kata, the Karateka uses the following movements.

Horse stance

Sweeps

Back fist attacks

Sideways, outer forearm and down blocks

Elbow strikes and breaks

Double hand backfist strikes

Grabs and Pulls

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Kanku Dai, which is an advanced learner's kata bringing into use some advanced techniques and swift movements. It is one of the longest katas.

In this kata, the Karateka uses:

Forward stance

Back stance

Cat / short back stance

Horse stance

Cross hand blocks

Open hand chops

Side kicks

Jumping front kick

Wrist grabs

Puls and throws

Blocks and breaks

Hammer fist attacks

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Tekki Sandan, which is the third of the Katas of the Tekki series and is an advanced learner's Kata. In this kata, the Karateka uses:

Horse stance

Sweeps

Back fist attacks

Side, outer forearm inner forearm and down blocks

Elbow strikes and breaks

Grabs, Pulls and hand releases

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Jion, which is the third of the Katas of the Tekki series and is an advanced learner's Kata. In this kata, the Karateka uses:

Horse stance

Sweeps

Back fist attacks

Side, outer forearm inner forearm and down blocks

Elbow strikes and breaks

Grabs, Pulls and hand releases

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Nunchaku. This Kata helps you learn how to master moves using a Nunchaku – a weapon made of two steel rods connected with a chain.

The key swing in this Kata is to catch the nunchaku, either from the front of the back.

To do the backward catch, hold the nunchaku with your left hand and lightly swing it over your left shoulder onto the centre of your back. Keep your right hand ready to hold it and repeat this, switching hands.

To do the front catch, hold the nunchaku with your left hand and lift it over the same hand. With the right hand, grab the end of the nunchaku hanging loose and repeat the step switching hands.

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Bassai Sho. It is a shorter version of Bassai Dai, which we have already demonstrated earlier. It includes, among other moves:

Double inverted upper level punch

Middle level grasping block

Lower level grasping block

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Kanku Sho. It is the lighter version of Kata Kanku Dai. It involves punches, blocks, kicks, strikes, jumps, multiple direction changes and several different stances with moves including:

Double-hand block

Lunge-punch & forearm twist

Added hand grasping block

Front kick / both hands pulling

Vertical back-fist strike

Inside block

Reverse punch

Punch

Inside block / down block

Downward swinging strike

Vertical back-fist strike

Front elbow strike

Sensei Clement Sequeira will take you through Kata Empi – the last of our series. It has 37 movements, arranged in the shape of a T, typically taking around one minute to perform altogether.

It involves moves including:

Down block
Both fists hip posture
Down block
Water flowing posture
Down block
Rising punch
Fist above shoulder / downward punch
Down block
Down block
Rising punch
Fist above shoulder / Downward punch
Down block
Down block
Palm diagonally in front and above
Wrist strike
Vertical knife-hand block
Punch
Straight punch
Punch
Straight punch
Down block
Rising punch
Knife-hand block
Knife-hand block
Reverse punch
Knife-hand block
Down block
Rising punch
Fist above shoulder / Downward punch
Down block
Down block
Palm-heel pushing-rising block
Palm-heel pushing-rising / Palm-heel pressing block
Palm-heel pushing-rising / Palm-heel pressing block
Palm-heel pushing-rising / Palm-heel pressing block
Downward posture
Both palms grasping block
Tiger-mouth block
Knife-hand block
Knife-hand block