BASIC MOVEMENTS of Shorin-Ryu Karate

 

Karate basics, as we study them, are the alphabet of movement.  Just as a person could not be expected to read or write before learning the alphabet, a person cannot learn strong, effective Karate techniques without a certain mastery of some basic movements of Karate.  There are three categories of techniques, each with 5 movements to practice.

 

Blocking

 

The need to develop blocking responses is a very important skill in the development of an individual’s karate.  The reason for this is obvious – Karate people do not like to be hit.

The body is divided into three areas.  These are the upper body area, the middle body area, and the lower body.  The blocks are designed to defend these three areas against kicks and strikes.

 

1.    High Rising Block – Jodan Age Uke

2.    Middle Area Block – Chudan Uke

3.    Across the Body Block – Soto Uke

4.    Lower Area Block – Gedan Barai

5.    Double Block – Nidan Uke

 

Striking

 

Punches and striking methods are designed to be used as a defensive tool and as an offensive method to approach an opponent.  The development of a strong upper body arsenal is important to our style of Karate.  Traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu is considered to contain 80% hand and upper body techniques.

 

1.    Lunge Punch – Oi Tsuki

2.    Reverse Punch – Gyaku Tsuki

3.    Back Knuckle Strike – Uraken Tsuki

4.    Roundhouse Punch – Mawashi Tsuki

5.    Rising Punch – Age Tsuki

 

Kicking

 

Although Shorin-Ryu traditionally is 80% hand and upper body techniques, a well balanced Martial Artist must develop a strong kicking arsenal.  A consistent stretching regimen is encouraged.  Flexibility is important to improve one’s range of motion.  This is necessary to develop pinpoint accuracy for delivering kicks to their targets.

 

1.    Front Kick – Mae Geri

2.    Roundhouse Kick – Mawashi Geri

3.    Back Kick – Ushiro Geri

4.    Side Kick – Yoko Geri

5.    Knee Strike – Hiza Uchi

 

Besides instruction in class, you must take these movements’ home and practice.  Each technique should be practiced 10 times on the right side and 10 times on the left side.  You can practice in front of a mirror or while watching TV.  Practice them every chance you get and your Karate will develop a strong, solid foundation from which to advance.

 

SHORIN-RYU KARATE-DO  15 BASIC MOVEMENTS

 

Kicks:                                                    

 1.    Front Kick                                                                      

 2.    Roundhouse Kick                                                                          

 3.    Back Kick                                                                                              

 4.    Side-Stomp Kick                                                    

 5.    Knee Strike

 

Blocks:

                 1.    High-Rising Block

                 2.    Middle-Area Block 

                 3.    Cross-Body Block

                 4.    Low-Area Block

                 5.    Double Block

 

Punches:

 1.    Lunge Punch

 2.    Reverse Punch

 3.    Roundhouse Punch

 4.    High-Rising Punch

 5.    Back-knuckle Strike