Techniques
Strikes, kicks, blocks, and stances — the building blocks.
Attention/Ready Stance
The Attention/Ready Stance, known in Japanese as Heiko-dachi (平行立ち), translates to “parallel stance.” It is a fundamental posture used primarily as a ready stance before executing techniques or katas. The feet are positioned shoulder-width apart, the outer edges parallel and toes pointing straight forward, …
Back Fist Strike
The Back Fist Strike, known in Japanese as Uraken Uchi (裏拳打ち), is a technique where the practitioner strikes using the back of the fist. “Uraken” (裏拳) means “back fist,” referring to the striking surface, and “Uchi” (打ち) means strike or hit. It targets areas such as the face, temple, …
Back Ridge Hand
The Back Ridge Hand, known in Japanese as Haito Uchi (背刀打ち), is an open-hand striking technique in karate. “Haito” (背刀) literally means “back sword” or “ridge hand,” referring to the striking surface, which is the inner edge of the hand from the base of the index finger to the wrist, …
Crescent Kick
The Crescent Kick, known in Japanese as Mikazuki Geri (三日月蹴り), is a distinctive and versatile technique in karate. “Mikazuki” (三日月) translates to “crescent moon,” aptly describing the curved path of the kick, and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. This kick is characterized by a sweeping, …
Double Lunge Punch
The Double Lunge Punch, known in Japanese as Nihon Zuki (二本突き), translates to “double punch.” “Nihon” (二本) means “two” and “Zuki” (突き) means punch or thrust. The technique involves delivering two consecutive punches in rapid succession, typically executed from a stable …
Double Roundhouse
The Double Roundhouse Kick, known in Japanese as Nidan Mawashi Geri (二段回し蹴り), is an advanced technique that involves delivering two consecutive roundhouse kicks with the same leg. “Nidan” (二段) means “two levels” or “two stages,” “Mawashi” (回し) means …
Down Block
The Down Block, known in Japanese as Gedan Barai (下段払い), is a fundamental defensive technique designed to deflect or sweep away attacks aimed at the lower part of the body, such as kicks or strikes directed toward the abdomen or groin. “Gedan” (下段) means “lower level” and “Barai” (払 …
Fighting Punch
The Fighting Punch, known in Japanese as Choku-zuki (直突き), is the straight punch — a foundational movement taught to beginners. “Choku” (直) means “straight” or “direct,” and “Zuki” (突き) means punch or thrust. It belongs to the broader family of tsuki (突き) punching …
Fighting Stance
The Fighting Stance is the bladed, side-on guard posture from which strikes, kicks, and defenses are launched in sparring. I haven’t been able to find an equivalent Japanese name for this exact stance — it may be an American Karate variant. It positions the body sideways to the opponent to present a narrower …
Forward Stance
The Forward Stance (also commonly called the Front Stance), known in Japanese as Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち), is a fundamental position emphasizing stability and power. “Zenkutsu” (前屈) means “forward bend” and “Dachi” (立ち) means stance. It is widely used across techniques including …
Front Kick
The Front Kick, known in Japanese as Mae Geri (前蹴り), literally means “forward kick.” “Mae” (前) means “front” and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. It is one of the most essential and widely used kicking techniques, known for its speed, directness, and effectiveness in both offense …
Hook Kick
The Hook Kick, known in Japanese as Ura Mawashi Geri (裏回し蹴り), is a dynamic technique that involves a circular motion to strike an opponent, typically targeting the head or upper body. “Ura” (裏) means “reverse” or “inside,” “Mawashi” (回し) means roundhouse or circular, and …
Hook Punch
The Hook Punch, known in Japanese as Kake-zuki (掛け突き) or sometimes Mawashi-zuki (回し突き), is a powerful and versatile hand technique in karate. “Kake” (掛け) implies “hooking” or “hanging,” referring to the arc of the punch, while “Zuki” (突き) means punch or thrust. …
Inside Block
The Inside Block, known in Japanese as Uchi Uke (内受け), is a fundamental defensive technique used to deflect attacks aimed at the body. “Uchi” (内) means “inside” and “Uke” (受け) means “receive” or block. It involves bringing the forearm across the body from the outside to …
Jab
The Jab, known in Japanese as Kizami-zuki (刻み突き), is one of the most fundamental and frequently used techniques in karate. “Kizami” (刻み) means “engraving” or “mincing,” implying a quick, sharp, and often repeated action, while “Zuki” (突き) means punch or thrust. This …
Jump Front Kick
The Jump Front Kick, known in Japanese as Mae Tobi Geri (前飛び蹴り), is one of the most dynamic and visually impressive techniques in karate. Breaking down its name, “Mae” (前) means front, “Tobi” (飛び) means jump or flying, and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. This translates directly to a …
Knife Hand Strike
The Knife Hand Strike, known in Japanese as Shuto Uchi (手刀打ち), is a fundamental technique that utilizes the edge of the hand, opposite the thumb, to deliver powerful strikes. “Shuto” (手刀) literally means “hand sword” or “knife hand,” and “Uchi” (打ち) means strike or hit. …
Lunge Punch
The Lunge Punch, known in Japanese as Oi-zuki (追い突き), is a fundamental technique that combines forward movement with a straight punch, delivering significant power by utilizing the body’s momentum. “Oi” (追い) means “to chase” or “pursue” and “Zuki” (突き) means punch …
Outside Block
The Outside Block, known in Japanese as Soto Uke (外受け), is a fundamental defensive technique used to deflect attacks aimed at the head or upper body. “Soto” (外) means “outside” and “Uke” (受け) means “receive” or block. It involves moving the arm from the inside to the …
Ridge Hand Strike
The Ridge Hand Strike, known in Japanese as Haitō Uchi (背刀打ち), is a versatile technique that utilizes the inside edge of the hand, opposite the knife-hand strike, to deliver powerful blows. “Haitō” (背刀) literally means “back sword” or “ridge hand,” and “Uchi” (打ち) means …
Roundhouse
The Roundhouse Kick, known in Japanese as Mawashi Geri (回し蹴り), is a fundamental technique characterized by its circular motion, delivering powerful strikes to various target areas. “Mawashi” (回し) means “roundhouse” or circular, and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. It is versatile and …
Side Kick
The Side Kick, known in Japanese as Yoko Geri (横蹴り), is a powerful technique executed by thrusting the leg sideways to strike an opponent. “Yoko” (横) means “side” and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. It is valued for its strength and versatility in both offensive and defensive situations, and …
Spinning Back Kick
The Spinning Back Kick, known in Japanese as Ushiro Geri (後ろ蹴り), is a powerful technique that combines a spin with a backward thrusting kick. “Ushiro” (後ろ) means “back” or rear, and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. It is effective for delivering forceful strikes, especially when countering an …
Spinning Backfist
The Spinning Backfist, known in Japanese as Ushiro Uraken Uchi (後ろ裏拳打ち), is a dynamic and surprising hand technique in karate. Breaking down its name, “Ushiro” (後ろ) means back or rear, indicating the spinning motion; “Uraken” (裏拳) means backfist (striking with the back of the clenched fist); and …
Spinning Hook Kick
The Spinning Hook Kick, known in Japanese as Ushiro Ura Mawashi Geri (後ろ裏回し蹴り), is a highly effective and dynamic technique in karate, often used for its power and deceptive nature. Let’s break down its Japanese name: “Ushiro” (後ろ) means back or rear, indicating the initial turning motion; …
Spinning Roundhouse
The Spinning Roundhouse Kick, is similar to the Spinning Hook Kick / Ushiro Mawashi Geri but instead of a hook kick at the end its a roundhouse. This particular kick I couldn’t find an exact Japanese name for. This kick I would consider a bit of a fake out. It looks like you are coming around to throw a hook kick …
Spinning Side Kick
The Spinning Side Kick, known in Japanese as Ushiro Mawashi Geri (後ろ回し蹴り), is an advanced technique that combines a full body spin with a side kick, delivering a powerful strike from an unexpected angle. “Ushiro” (後ろ) means “back” or rear, “Mawashi” (回し) means circular, and …
Triple Lunge Punch
The Triple Lunge Punch, known in Japanese as Sanbon Zuki (三本突き), translates to “three-punch combination.” “Sanbon” (三本) means “three” and “Zuki” (突き) means punch or thrust. It is a fundamental technique involving a sequence of three consecutive punches that enhances …