Shotokan Mastery Build A Strong Foundation Master The Basics

The first shotokan karate stance used when practicing basics (kihon) while stepping forward and backwards is zenkutsu dachi (front stance).

This is classed as a basic stance and most people can grasp the basic fundamentals of this stance very quickly, although there are many advanced concepts with this stance later on in your karate practice.

Get into the habit of breaking new karate moves down, they then become much easier to understand the small detail.

Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance)

1. Weight distribution for front stance is 70% of your weight on your front leg and 30% on the back leg.
2. Feet should be hip width to shoulder width apart and this width will decrease as you advance in your karate.
3. Stance length depends on the length of your legs, but one shoulder width and a half is a good guide to start.
4. Feet should be both facing forward as much as possible.
5. There are two hip positions when first practicing the front stance, they are square and side on.
6. Roll the hips up and try not to let your hips stick out.
7. Keep your back straight
8. Try not to lock the back leg straight. Your back knee should be very slightly bent.
9. Your front knee should be heavily bent and you should not be able to see the toes of your front foot.
10. Try not to let the front knee fall inwards, keep it facing forward.
11. If you drop a line down from your front knee it should come down just above the ball of the foot.

Zenkutsu dachi should be practiced consistently; the stance should always be the same length and getting a good front stance is imperative for your future progression in karate. Whether you are attending a karate dojo, or learning karate at home, I recommend you break all techniques down and repeat again and again. For stances it’s a good idea to hold the position for a minute or two and then change to a different stance and repeat.

Gedan barai lower level block stepping.

Stepping forward with Gedan Barai in Zenkutsu Dachi is one of the first basic techniques that a karateka pracices in Shotokan Karate Kihon. Along with the video, we also have below, a detailed step-by-step description of how to perform this technique:

Starting Position:

Begin by standing in Heiko Dachi (natural stance), which means your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your toes are pointing forward.
Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and arms in the yoi position.

Preparatory Movement:

Lift the left fist directly to the right shoulder with the palm of the fist facing the neck, at the same time the right hikite arm pushes forward and towards the centre slightly.

As you lift the left fist and push the right arm, keep the left arm close to the body as it lifts. You should have a slight feeling of both shoulders coming towards eachother, wich creates a slight contraction.

Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) and block gedan barai (down block) with your left arm, as you step forward with the left leg, drive off from the right leg.

Gedan barai Lower Level Block Stepping:
Your body and hip should be in the hanmi (side facing) position. Try not to look out the corner of your eyes, keep your head facing forward and shoulders down.

Initiate the step with a samll drive forward of the front knee, it’s a very small movement, so try not go too far over the toes with the knee, it just starts the movement. As the movement starts you drive with the right side of the body and leg, at the same time as you drive with the right side and start to step, your right arm stays close to the body and comes to the opposite shoulder, palm of the fist facing the neck.

From the half way point, as you start to step forward to block by driving off the left leg, driving the right and left side of the body forward, my body should be in the shomen (square facing) position. As you continue to step, the back of the right blocking arm goes down the outside of the left hikite (pulling arm) arm, then on completion of the gedan barai, your body rotates into the hanmi (side facing) position. Try and time the body rotation into hanmi with the sharp rotation of both arms on the block.

Tips
As you step you are trying use the arms to help the body and legs move and visa versa, trying to use the body and legs to help the arms.

The step should be smooth and be performed on the same level, avoid any up and down movement throughout the step.

Breathing should be natural and focus on the leg driving from the half way point in the step.

We step in a straight line as demonstrated in the video, but we know many Dojo practice by coming feet together at the half way point. Which ever way you practice, try and make the step smooth.

The blocking arm does not stop throughout the step, it’s one continuous movement.

The main difference when practicing Gedan barai lower level block stepping forward and stepping backwards, is the legs.
When stepping forward, the front knee initiates the movement, then a strong drive forward off that front leg at the half way point. When stepping backwards, the first thing to happen is a sharp bend in the back legs knee, without moving the foot.

As you start the step backwards, soften that back knee and as you soften the back knee, you drive the hikite arm up and across the body in preparation for the block. From the half way position, drive backwards off the back leg, whilst at the same time driving the stepping leg back.

Once again on completion of the gedan barai, your body rotates into the hanmi (side facing) position. Try and time the body rotation into hanmi with the sharp rotation of both arms on the block.

Even though Gedan barai lower level block stepping is classed as basic shotokan kihon, it should be practiced and studied just the same as more advanced karate techniques.

Oi-zuki (stepping punch) looks so simple. But for Shotokan karateka who follow the karate way, it’s an art form all on its own!

Indeed, lots of dojo place little importance on the intricate and detailed movement required to execute karate’s basic stepping punch (oi-zuki).

They see a step and a punch and as long as it resembles oizuki, that’ll do! Now lets practice it like a bunch of crazed animals!

I’m embarrassed to say it, but it’s only in the last few years that I have realized how important the small detail is, in karate. Before that, I had the, ‘hit them as hard and fast as you can’ mentality, now, that’s not all bad, more Shotokan karateka should adopt that attitude.

But as I have aged (beautifully, I may add), I have begun to realise, brute force and strength just doesn’t cut it. In fact, it just knocks you up. (British slang for tires you out).

I have trained many times with Shotokan JKA karateka, Dave Hooper Sensei 4th dan (should be 7th dan), who resides in Japan and who’s instructor is the legendary JKA senior instructor, Osaka Shihan.
I have also been training with Shihan Akio Minakami, an 8th Dan Shito Ryu master, who’s instructor was the late, great, Soke Teruo Hayashi 10th Dan.

They are both brilliant karateka who have been training longer than I have been breathing. They have both travelled different paths up the karate mountain, but their movements are very similar, natural, flowing and extremely powerful!

Not forced, brute strength, robotic, unnatural movements, like I used to do and still do sometimes.

Anyway, this article is supposed to be about oizuki (basic stepping punch), so here goes, my attempt at explaining what I have picked up from many great karate masters and how I now try and execute oizuki (when I don’t slip into ‘Conan The Destroyer’ mode).

Please don’t think I’m saying this is the only way to step, it’s just the way I have been practicing recently.

Oi zuki Stepping Punch
Stepping forward, oizuki from zenkutsu dachi, gedan barai (left leg in front).

1. An initial, small but important forward movement with the front knee, whilst keeping the front foot still.
2. Drive the left shoulder, right hip and rib cage forward, at the same time keeping the right shoulder back.
3. Try pulling with the front leg as you step half way.
4. The left leg then pushes from the floor to propel the body forward.
5. At the same time the right foot lands, execute the punch.
6. At the exact time the right foot lands and the punch reaches the target, drive the left heel back into the floor tighten the muscles for a split second, especially muscles under the punching arm, abdomen and the back and inside of the thigh muscles and buttocks, them immediately relax.
7. Repeat 10,000 times, relax, less is more, don’t try to hard and good luck with the very basic, oizuki, which every experienced shotokan karateka thinks they have down!
8. Breathing should be smooth and natural, no ‘Thomas The tank Engine’ sounds.

Once this style of movement is drilled and practiced thoroughly, especially during kata training, your whole karate seems to take on a new direction.

Stepping forward and backwards with Age Uke in Zenkutsu Dachi is one of the first basic techniques that a karateka practices in Shotokan Karate Kihon. Along with the video, we also have below, a detailed step-by-step description of how to perform this technique:

Starting Position:

Begin by standing in Heiko Dachi (natural stance), which means your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your toes are pointing forward.
Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and arms in the yoi position.

Preparatory Movement:

Lift the left fist directly to the right shoulder with the palm of the fist facing the neck, at the same time the right hikite arm pushes forward and towards the centre slightly.

As you lift the left fist and push the right arm, keep the left arm close to the body as it lifts. You should have a slight feeling of both shoulders coming towards each other, which creates a slight contraction.

Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) and block gedan barai (down block) with your left arm, as you step forward with the left leg, drive off from the right leg.

Upper Rising Block Stepping:
Your body and hip should be in the hanmi (side facing) position. Try not to look out the corner of your eyes, keep your head facing forward and shoulders down.

Initiate the step with a samll drive forward of the front knee, it’s a very small movement, so try not go too far over the toes with the knee, it just starts the movement. As the movement starts you drive with the right side of the body and leg, at the same time as you drive with the right side and start to step, your left arm shoots up into the age uke position, with the hand open and palm of the hand facing away from you.

From the half way point, as you start to step forward to block by driving off the left leg, driving the right and left side of the body forward, your body should be in the shomen (square facing) position. As you continue to step, the right arm starts to move through the age uke block. The blocking arm starts from the hikite position and travels in a straight line from the hikite position to the completed age uke position, then on completion of the age uke, your body rotates into the hanmi (side facing) position. Try and time the body rotation into hanmi with the sharp rotation of both arms, one arm on the block and the other on the completion of the hikite.

Tips
As you step you are trying use the arms to help the body and legs move and visa versa, trying to use the body and legs to help the arms.

The step should be smooth and be performed on the same level, avoid any up and down movement throughout the step.

Breathing should be natural and focus on the leg driving from the half way point in the step.

We step in a straight line as demonstrated in the video, but we know many Dojo practice by coming feet together at the half way point. Which ever way you practice, try and make the step smooth.

The blocking arm does not stop throughout the step, it’s one continuous movement.

The main difference when practicing age uke upper rising block stepping forward and stepping backwards, is the legs.
When stepping forward, the front knee initiates the movement, then a strong drive forward off that front leg at the half way point. When stepping backwards, the first thing to happen is a sharp bend in the back legs knee, without moving the foot.

As you start the step backwards, soften that back knee and as you soften the back knee, you drive the hikite arm up and across the body in preparation for the block. From the half way position, drive backwards off the back leg, whilst at the same time driving the stepping leg back.

Once again on completion of the age uke, your body rotates into the hanmi (side facing) position. Try and time the body rotation into hanmi with the sharp rotation of both arms on the block, one arm on the block and the other on the completion of the hikite.

Even though age uke upper block stepping is classed as basic shotokan kihon, it should be practiced and studied just the same as more advanced karate techniques and combinations.

Front kick (mae geri), is the first karate kick we practice and study. There are many variations of the karate front kick.

In this tutorial we are going to cover the snapping front kick, from feet together stance (Heisoku-dachi) and kicking with the ball of the foot.

When learning new karate moves, it is recommended that they are practiced in easily managed sections, so I have sectioned the tutorial below, so as any one of the sections can be practiced independently of the others.

Front Snap Kick (Mae Geri Keage)

1. Starting from the feet together stance (Heisoku-dachi), lift the knee high, keeping the ankle bent (90 degrees) and the toes curled back, so the ball of the foot is pointing directly forward.

2. Extend the kick to the target, keeping the supporting foot flat and toes facing forward. As the kicking leg travels forward, push into the floor with the supporting leg, then using that push, drive the hips forward (keeping them square), try not to over extend with the hips.

3. Ensure the kick drives into the target and not up in front of the target. This basic front kick wants to travel straight, like a bullet and not in an upward arching movement.

4. As the foot reaches the target, the ankle goes from a 90 degree bend to straight. The foot points forward with the toes curled back, making sure the ball of the foot hits the target.

5. At full extension the kicking leg should snap back vigorously while keeping the knee high; this technique, if done correctly, should release a shock effect into the target.

Shotokan karate stance kiba dachi is first used when practicing yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) and yoko geri keage (side snap kick). Kiba dachi is also used extensively throughout the Shotokan kata.

This is classed as a basic stance and most people can grasp the basic fundamentals of this stance very quickly, although there are many advanced concepts with this stance later on in your karate practice.

Get into the habit of breaking new karate moves down, they then become much easier to understand the small detail.

Kiba Dachi (horse riding stance)
1. Weight distribution for kiba dachi is weight central.
2. Stance length depends on the length of your legs, but one shoulder width and a half is a good guide to start.
3. Feet should be both facing forward as much as possible.
4. Bend the knees naturally, do not push the knees out or let them collapse inwards.
5. Roll the hips up and try not to let your hips stick out.
6. Keep your back straight
7. Tighten the inside of the thighs.
8. If you drop a line down from either knee it should come down inside the big toe.

Kiba dachi should be practiced consistently, the stance should always be the same length and getting a good front stance is imperative for your future progression in karate. Whether you are attending a karate dojo, or learning karate at home, I recommend you break all techniques down and repeat again and again.

For stances it’s a good idea to hold the position for a minute or two and then change to a different stance and repeat.

This second follow along class covers everything in the first and second module. Try and repeat this class several times during your first six months karate training. Film yourself and watch it back, check your form and try and get these first basic karate techniques to a good level before proceeding.

Uchi Ude Uke (inside forearm block) stepping forward and backwards in zenkutsu dachi (front stance). Many shotokan karateka refer to it just uchi uke (inside block).

Once again we are going to start a left sided gedan barai (down block) in zenkutsu dachi (front stance).

AS we mention in many of our kihon articles and videos, leg driving plays an important part of shotokan karate. When stepping forward, drive off of the back leg from the half way point and drive off the front leg from the half way point when stepping backwards.

Be sure and keep the same height throughout this kihon practice.

Start with that very small forwards movement with the front knee, then as you drive your right leg forward, bring your right arm across the body to the bottom of the opposite sides ribs, try and keep the right blocking arm close to the body, try not to swing the arm out on the preparation.

The blocking arm when preparing comes across the body with the Palm facing down and it goes low to the bottom of the ribs, not high under the arm pit, unless you are blocking jodan (upper level) then that is ok.

As the right blocking arm prepares, the hikite arm shoots forward, once again with the palm facing down, with either a fist or open hand.

We are now at the half way point, as you continue the step, remember to drive off the left leg with the body in the shomen (square facing) position.

On completion of the step and inside block, rotate the hips and body into the hanmi (side facing) position.

The blocking fist is roughly shoulder level with the uchi uke arms elbow approximately a fist to a fist and a half away from the body.

(tip) Really tighten the muscles of the blocking arm and you will find your strongest position.

Now stepping back. Soften your back knee and as you soften the back knee, get this opposite reaction with the hikite arm, so as you go back the hikite arm stretches forward, at the same time the blocking arm comes across the body to prepare for uchi uke.

Use your blocking arm and front leg together as you go to the half way position.

From the half way point, drive off the front leg, try not to just fall back, keep the body square at the half way point, then on completion of uchi uke stepping back, rotate the body and hips sharply into the hanmi postion.

The more time spent on these basic kihon techniques the better your advanced shotokan will be. Oss!

Soto Uke (outside block) Stepping

In this video and article we are going to be talking about and working on, stepping forward and backwards, soto ude uke or outside forearm block, also known as just soto uke or outside block.

From the shizentai yoi position we’re going to step forward as we did with the other basics in to gedan barai in zenkutsu dachi. Try and get this movement smooth and try and work on your fundamentals as you’re going into this block, even though it’s a preparation before we actually start practicing the main technique, on landing rotate into the hanmi (side facing) position.

As we mention in many other kihon videos, there is just a little movement forward, with the front knee, you’re not putting any pressure because as soon as it starts to go everything goes, but that initial movement will stop you turning the toes out pulling the front foot back before you step.

As that front knee goes forward the front arm stretches forward, as that happens the back arm lifts and you start to step to the halfway position, with the knees bent and back straight.

Now you can bring the blocking arm to the side like I do in the video, or you can open the chest and stretch right back to give that stretch, both are fine, to the side or right back. I practice both.

On the high blocking arm, the palm is facing out because when the block completes, you need to rotate the forearm sharply.
The elbow is straight out from the shoulder, the arm stretching froward can be a fist or open hand with fingers stretching forward.

What makes the second part of soto ude uke difficult, is the fact we have linear and Circular movements going on at the same time. We have the hikite (pulling arm) coming straight back and then we have the blocking arm coming forward and around.

We have a soto ude uke video that shows three different variations of outside Block, in this video we are coming almost like a diagonal straight line, imagine skimming a stone on the water, that feeling as the blocking arm comes from high to completion.

So from the halfway position, again keep the knees bent. Drive off the left leg and drive the right side of the body forward. As you drive forward, you pull the left hikite arm sharply, whilst at the same time you throw the right arm forward, then all together block soto ude uke in a good zenkutsu dachi with the body and hips in the hanmi (side facing position).

Mae Geri Keage (Front snap Kick) Stepping

1. Starting from a left leg in front Jiyu kamae (fighting posture), lift the knee high, making sure the foot lifts immediately off the floor, try not to drag the foot accross the floor.

keeping the ankle bent (90 degrees) and the toes curled back, so the ball of the foot is pointing directly forward.

2. Extend the kick to the target, keeping the supporting foot flat and toes facing forward. As the kicking leg travels forward, push into the floor with the supporting leg, then using that push, drive the hips forward (keeping them square), try not to over extend with the hips.

3. Ensure the kick drives into the target and not up in front of the target. This basic front kick wants to travel straight, like a bullet and not in an upward arching movement.

4. As the foot reaches the target, the ankle goes from a 90 degree bend to straight. The foot points forward with the toes curled back, making sure the ball of the foot hits the target.

5. At full extension the kicking leg should snap back vigorously while keeping the knee high; this technique, if done correctly, should release a shock effect into the target.

6. Then step forward into a right leg in front Jiyu kamae (fighting posture).

7. Repeat on the other side.

When you start the kick, try not to telegraph your movement.

Do not move your arms before and as you start the kick, try not to lift the shoulders as you start the kick, or dip the head down.

Imagine when kicking that you are trying to conceal your movement from your opponent, then know yourself when you kick, if you believe you have or have not telegraphed the technique.

Mae geri keage is an extremely fast and direct kick, it’s basically your foot from the floor to the target in the fastest and most direct way.

This kick should travel straight like a bullet, try not to arc the kick upwards at the end of the technique.

Great care should be taken when practicing these karate moves for beginners, if practiced incorrectly they may cause injury, so please find a qualified instructor and sign up for their karate classes online or off.

This third follow along class covers everything in the first three modules. Try and repeat this class several times during your first six months karate training. Film yourself and watch it back, check your form and try and get these first basic karate techniques to a good level before proceeding.

Age Enpi – Ushiro enpi – Mawashi enpi and Yoko enpi From Shizentai (Heiko dachi)

1. Age Enpi (upper elbow)

2. Ushiro Enpi (back elbow)

3. Mawashi Enpi (round elbow)

4. Yoko Enpi (side elbow)

This fourth follow along class covers everything in the first four modules. Try and repeat this class several times during your first six months karate training. Film yourself and watch it back, check your form and try and get these first basic karate techniques to a good level before proceeding.

Taikyoku (First Cause) Shodan (First Level)

Master Gichin Funakoshi named the set of three Taikyoku kata developed by his son Sensei Yoshitaka Funakoshi.

Taikyoku Shodan is easily picked up by beginners. But many senior Shotokan masters state that all the secrets of Shotokan karate can be found in this one kata.

It is interesting to note, that the Chinese kanji used for the name Taikyoku (太極) are pronounced “Tai Chi” in Chinese, which means “Grand Ultimate”.

There are only two techniques used throughout Taikyoku Shodan.

The two techniques used throughout the kata are Oi Tsuki (stepping punch) and Gedan Barai (downward block) and the only stance used is zenkutsu dachi (front stance).

Yoshitaka “Gigō” Funakoshi Sensei developed three kata and his father, Master Gichin Funakoshi named them Taikyoku (First Cause).

Many Shotokan karate Dojo start with Taikyoku shodan, then move on to the Heian Kata series, but there are also some Dojo that practice several Taikyoku Kata.

Here at SKO we use Taikyoku Shodan (kihon kata) for our 9th Kyu Orange belt examination, then move on to the Heian Kata from 8th kyu onwards.

The twenty moves consist of eight downward blocks and twelve stepping punches, all in front stance.

Throughout this kata two body positions are used and they are Shomen (square facing) and Hanmi (side facing). These two body positions are an extremely important part of Shotokan karate practice.

For each gedan barai move, the body should be in the hanmi (side facing) position.

For each oi tsuki move, the body should be in the shomen (square facing) position.

Keep your head facing the way you are moving, sometimes the head turns slightly to the side as you block gedan bari, so you end up looking out of the corners of the eyes. Keep the head straight and eyes forward.

Try not to change height as you move from one technique to the next. Once you execute the first move (gedan barai), your height should remain the same, right up to the last move.

Each zenkutsu dachi (front stance) should be the same width, length, height and body weight distribution.

Breathing should be silent and hidden, try not to expand the chest when you breathe in, breathe from your stomache.

On each step, keep your back straight, chin tucked in and push the crown of your head up as you push your stomache down.

Taikyoku Shodan is an excellent kata to practice non telegraph techniques as the moves are extremely basic and give the karateka a chance to focus heavily on the basic fundamentals contained within this kata.

When stepping make sure as you step, the front foot keeps still until at least the half way point throughout the step. Common errors can be turning the front foots toes outwards and pulling the front foot back as you start each step.

When turning through 180 degrees, try not to shuffle the back foot before you turn, try and keep the back foot flat, soften/bend the back knee, then turn and pivot on the heel.

When blocking and punching, try not to leave the arms behind, be sure and start to move the arms the same time as the legs start to move.

At the end of each technique try and stop dead still (kime) for a split second, then immediately relax and hold form, before starting the next move.

Every karate kata has its own rhythm and timing and later on in your karate journey, every karateka has their own rhythm.

Taikyoku Shodan Step By Step
Timing

Here is an example of the basic timing for Taikyoku Shodan ~

After the 1st move a short pause, then after the 2nd move longer pause.
After the 3rd move a short pause, then after the 4th move longer pause.
After the 5th move a longer pause, then after the 6th move longer pause, then after the 7th move shorter pause, then after the 8th move (1st kiai) longer pause.

After the 9th move a short pause, then after the 10th move longer pause.
After the 11th move a short pause, then after the 12th move longer pause.
After the 13th move a longer pause, then after the 14th move longer pause, then after the 15th move shorter pause, then after the 16th move (2nd kiai) longer pause.

After the 17th move a short pause, then after the 18th move longer pause.
After the 19th move a short pause, then after the 20th move longer pause. The Yamae and finish.

This fifth and final follow along class covers everything in all five modules. Try and repeat this class several times during your first six months karate training. Film yourself and watch it back, check your form and try and get these first basic karate techniques to a good level.

Heian Shodan is the first kata of 5 in the 5 Heian Kata series.

The first Heian kata focuses on stances zenkutsu dachi (front stance) and kokutsudachi (back stance).

Strikes oi zuki (stepping punch), Tettsui uchi (hammer fist strike) and blocks age uke (upper block), shuto uke (knife hand block).

Heian shodan is an excellent kata for shomen (square facing) and hanmi (side facing) practice.

The body and hips should be square (shomen) for the stepping punches and (side facing) hanmi for the blocks.

This is the first time a karateka practices shuto uke (knife hand block), kokutsudachi (back stance) in a shotokan kata.

There are four knife hand blocks in this kata.

Heian Shodan is the required kata for 8th Kyu red belt here at SKO.

Some Shotokan Dojo practice this kata with a few differences.

When executing age uke, some dojo stretch their marking arm out straight, whereas we simply open the hand in the age uke position as can be seen in the tutorial below.

Another slight difference can come with tetsui uchi, some Dojo do a much smaller movement on the strike and some Shotokan Dojo leave the front foot still.

So many karateka do not hit anything and many of these karateka also control all of their karate techniques when with a partner. So how do they develop powerful techniques?

Well many of them do not develop powerful techniques, some do, somehow (which still baffles me), but on the whole, the karateka who do not hit things, do not develop powerful techniques.

To me, striking punch bags, focus pads, kick shields and makiwara should be an integral part of karate practice, but for some reason, this area is overlooked by many Dojo and karateka around the world.

Striking things is great fun!

Striking things develops strong techniques.

Striking things is a great workout.

This is a really basic but effective single strike on the focus pads partner exercise.

You must think through the target, most karateka stop on the surface, feel like you want to destroy the target.

Have the feeling of Ikken Hissatsu (to finish with one blow).

Keep the body relaxed throughout the movement, breathe out sharply on impact, then immediately relax after the strike.

It’s so important for karateka to hit things and it’s great fun ?

Attitude is everything!

Master Funakoshi always said, ‘Spirit first, Technique second‘

I love the health side of karate, slow flowing karate techniques, repeated over and over, slowly flowing kata repeated slowly, continually stretching the body, breathing. Karatedo is awesome for health and well being, but there is another side to karatedo.

This is when everything speeds up, full speed and power!

At full speed and power, every technique you deliver must have intent, ikken hissatsu must be applied and if you are practicing at home, your karate can become very strong by applying this attitude.

This particular shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping is very basic, but it is confusing when you first practice it.

This is going to be part of the black Belt mock test. So karateka wanting to test for black belt have got get through the mock exam to get to the main exam. So they need to practice these double techniques and understand them fully.

Shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping

Combination 1 Oi Zuki Gyaku Zuki

Starting from a left gedan barai in zenkutsu dachi.

First combination is straight forward as you are moving from gedan barai, so there is no need to change the arms at the half way point through the step.

a. Step oi zuki with the right and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm extended forward and left arm in the hikite position.

Step oi zuki with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of oi zuki gyaku zuki.

Combination 2 Age Uke Gyaku Zuki

You can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front and the right arm shoots back to hikite ready to land and block with a right sided age uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm extended forward in the age uke preparatory position and left arm in the hikite position ready to block age uke.

Step age uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of age uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 3 Soto Uke Gyaku Zuki

You can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots back and up to the side, ready to block with a right sided soto uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the left arm back and up to the side, ready to block soto uke.

Step soto uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of soto uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 4 Uchi Uke Gyaku Zuki

Once again, you can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will once again start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots back to the left side just above the hip, ready to block with a right sided uchi uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the left arm back to the right side of the body just above the hip, ready to block with a left sided uchi uke.

Step uchi uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of uchi uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 5 Gedan Barai Gyaku Zuki

Once again, you can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will once again start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots across to the top of the left shoulder, ready to block with a right sided gedan barai, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the leftt arm shoots across to the top of the right shoulder, ready to block with a right sided gedan barai.

Step gedan barai with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of gedan barai gyaku zuki.

Shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping

Tips

Keep the same height throughout these combinations.

Change the arms sharply at the half way point.

Use the arm changing to help with a strong step.

Work on the shomen and hanmi.

Finish each block fully before the gyaku zuki.

Remember, these are basic shotokan combinations, work and perfect these simple two technique combinations.

Shomen and hanmi are an important part of shotokan karate basic training, this is an area that should be practiced diligently.

Karateka who have been training a short time find shomen hanmi very difficult.

Many shotokan karate dojo place tremendous importance on this area, but karate Sensei differ in the way they teach and practice shomen and hanmi, so please, if you are new to karate classes, ask your dojo sensei for an explanation of shomen and hanmi.

A beginner to shotokan karate will be told that hanmi (side facing), is used for the basic blocks in front stance.

And shomen (square facing), is used for the two basic punches oi zuki (stepping punch) and gyaku zuki (reverse punch).

A big mistake people make when going from a blocking position (hanmi) to a reverse punch position (shomen), is the front knee moving from side to side.

When in zenkutsu dachi (front stance), try and make sure the front knee stays still as you rotate through shomen and hanmi.

Another common mistake is moving the head from side to side. Try and keep the head stationary, eyes facing fully forward when blocking and punching.

One more mistake when working on shomen and hanmi, is coming up and down in the stance, down on the reverse punch and up on the block, try and keep the same height.

Along with the rotation of the hips and body, the feeling should also be forward.

For example, if you have the left leg in front and you are blocking age uke with the left arm, when the body and hips rotate from shomen to hanmi, the feeling should also be forward with the left side of the body, not just rotation.

Similarly, if you are punching gyaku zuki with the right arm after the left age uke, then the body and hips rotate from hanmi to shomen and the the right side of the body drives forward.

This is one of the most important areas of shotokan karate basic training, mastering this will not only give you correct technique, but the ability to generate tremendous power.

Having an excellent shomen and hanmi will also enable you to understand the more advanced concepts of Shotokan karate.

Shomen and Hanmi is classed as shotokan karate basic training, so if a karateka cannot master this, then the advanced karate will always be out of reach.

Have a good warm up and stretch before trying this follow along class as we go straight into the class. Working on using the legs and hips on a basic snapping punch, then on to front kick and a really good leg balance/strength exercise. We then move on to freestyle punching and stepping, building up the combination and speed. At the end of this shotokan karate follow along class we slow things down with a very basic stepping and punching exercise.