Glossary of Techniques

This glossary includes brief descriptions for perfecting each technique. It is organized into sections for the type of technique followed by the descriptions in relative order to their usage.

To see a picture of the item being described, click on the Show Me link where provided.

The sections are as follows:

• General Terms
• Stances
• Blocking
• Striking

General Terms

Kia (Kee-ya)

An exclamation used with a strike or block that is used to frighten the opponent and releases air from your lungs to minimize the impact of a return strike.

Tori (Toar-ee)

In one-steps, self-defense, and kumite, the tori is the person defending or demonstrating the proper technique to counter the attack of the uki.

Uki (Ook-ee)

In one-steps, self-defense, and kumite, the uki is the person attacking or antagonizing the tori to perform a technique.

Kumite (Koo-mi-tey)

Command to fight, spar.

Stances

Horse Stance Show Me

The most basic stance. Provides optimum balance and readiness for movement. A good horse stance is one where the feet are should-width apart, toes pointed straight ahead, knees slight bent. The knees should be bent enough that when you are standing with your back straight and shoulders squared, your toes will be just hidden from your view by your knees.

Cat Stance

The cat stance is accomplished by drawing one foot up against the other. The heal of the drawn leg should touch the ankle of the stationary leg. All your weight should be on the stationary leg.

Forward Stance

The forward stance is accomlished by stepping forward from a horse stance. Your feet should be the same distance apart in the forward stance as they were in the horse stance. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your two legs, your back straight, and your shoulders squared.

Fighting Stance

The fighting stance is so named because it is the "ready to fight" stance. A good fighting stance provides minimul targets to the opponent while leaving you maximum preparation to respond. To accomplish the fighting stance, imagine that you are in a horse stance to one side, turn to face the opponent at one side.

The side you are facing is called the "facing" side. So, a left side facing fighting stance means your left leg is nearest to your opponent, while your right leg is directly behind on the same plane. Your left (facing) fist should be drawn up in front of you angled slightly out at about chin level. Your right fist should be held just above your belt. Both elbows should be held close to your body. In this stance, your facing fist is ready to deliver jabs or block strikes to your face or side while your opposite fist is ready to deliver lower-body strikes or protect against the lower-body strikes of your opponent.

Rear Stance

The rear stance is accomplished by turning one leg so that your feet are at a 90° angle with your heels pointing at one another. Lift the leg pointed to the side and lower it just out enough to still remain flat on the floor when your knees are slightly bent as in the horse stance. All your weight should be on the leg pointed forward and you will most often want to face the direction of the leg pointing to the side. This stance is ideal for delivering a quick kick to the side or preparing for the cat stance or twist stance.

Twist Stance

The twist stance is accomplished by drawing one leg behind the other resting the rear leg on the toes behind the heel of the stationary leg. This provides for more controlled 180° turns and smoother sidestep movement. Typically, the toes of the twist stance leg will be directly behind the heal of the stationary leg. All your weight should be on the stationary leg.

Blocking

Down(ward) Block

In(ward) Block

Out(ward) Block

Up(ward) Block

Striking

Basic Striking Techniques

In karate, a strike is the general term for a punch (Show Me), chop, or kick. In all strikes, attempt to remain loose and only tense up at the moment of contact.

When delivering a punch, the fingers should be clenched tight with the thumb wrapping below the fingers away from the area of impact. The area of impact should be concentrated at the two knockles of the index and middle fingers. Begin in "cocked" position at side with thumb side of fist up. As you deliver the punch, turn fist over so the thumb is on the bottom just as you reach the target. A jab is a punch that is delivered straight to the target without the elbow moving to the side. A round punch is delivered by swinging slightly outward with the elbow. An uppercut is a punch that swings up as it is delivered.

When delivering a chop (side of hand) or stab (aka, knife), the fingers should be straight and together.

Backfist Punch

Reverse Punch

Roundhouse Kick

Snap Kick

Side Kick