These are the core for good Shotokan Karate. Basics are made up of punches, blocks, kicks, and strikes, often used in simple combinations for lower belts and more complicated for the higher belts. Shotokan Karate challenges the mind and body when rising through the ranks. Speed, sharpness and strength are tuned in the basic techniques and you will learn to use your whole body to deliver a punch or to block an attack. You will also learn control. In training, although we counter-attack with a fully committed punch or kick it stops short of penetrating the target thus showing ‘control’.

Kumite uses all the skills from Basics and helps to develop speed, strength and control. Beginners practice 3-step sparring.  Intermediates practice 1-step sparring, and more experienced karate-ka practice Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi-free) and Jiyu Kumite (free sparring). While full commitment in an attack or counter is required, control is also required to avoid injuring a partner. This kind of control demonstrates the ability to deliver a devastating blow without injuring a fellow student.