Karate Kihon is defined as being core basic exercises meant to perfect Karate technique through repetition. “Individual line Kihon” is usually composed of a combination of moves, the very basic form is as simple as a single attack, a single defense, while stepping forward/back.
“Individual line Kihon”
It is very important to practice “Individual line Kihon” in a way that does not contradict core Karate principles, or risk undoing progress you have already done. The most overlooked “Individual line Kihon” dysfunctions, have to do with consistency in stepping forward, versus backward, while practicing defense against straight punches with a partner. Not every “Individual line Kihon” should be practiced both stepping forward and backward – As a simple example:
“Yoko uke/Uchi uke” (Middle inside block) against a straight punch:
This block is efficient to block a straight punch while going back, being on the spot, shifting/stepping backward at an angle, shifting forward at an angle using yaku (reverse) block. The nature of the block makes it almost impossible to efficiently block a straight punch going straight forward without using angles. As soon as you start using angles while moving forward, you have no option than to use yaku (reverse) blocks, again because of the nature of this block.
Since there is almost never a situation when someone would use this block going straight forward against a straight punch, there is no point practicing it in an “Individual line Kihon” stepping straight forward.
Instead, I suggest to practice this block in the following ways:
- Going forward at an angle, using zigzag angles, only using a yaku (reverse) block (then realigning your back foot after each technique)
- Going backward using zigzag angles (then also realigning your back foot after each technique)
Practicing this way, while using zig zag angles, can add a more realistic flavor to your “Individual line Kihon” exercise, and prevent beginners building muscle memory over something unrealistic.
This logic can be applied to any “Individual line Kihon”, as well as more complex Kihon combinations.
When practicing “Individual line Kihon”, properly deciding whether to practice the technique or combination, only stepping forward, or backward, or both, requires a deep understanding of what each technique is best for, as well as how it can be used with angles. Once this is fully understood, there is really no hesitation as to how best to practice “Individual line Kihon” without contradicting Karate / combat principles.
“Individual line Kihon” has so many benefits while reinforcing basic Karate principles like: practicing staying low, strengthening the core, giving a leg targeted muscle workout, building focus and precision, practicing body/hip motion principles, and much more...but so many different types of “Individual line Kihon” can be practiced, so why not practicing in a way that do not contradict Karate principle from the start, and in a way that is more realistic, specifically for beginners.
As a student, If you are unsure about which “Individual line Kihon” you can practice on your own, stick to what your Sensei / Instructor gives you, to make sure you don’t fall into one of the “don’ts”.
Toronto, Alpha - KarateBoost blog
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