KIHON

We prioritise Kihon training : A fundamental basic to Kata and Kumite

Kihon is the word used for basic/fundamental techniques taught and practiced in Karate & most Japanese martial arts.

Kihon is the key to Kata and Kumite. It is a foundation builder and intrinsic link to develop and build “correct technique” in both. There is a sequence to follow. Good Kata and Kumite cannot dismiss the practise of Kihon. Kihon forms the basic technique which is a prerequisite to Kata and Kumite whether for regular training or in preparation for competition. Without the elements of Kihon and Kata, Kumite will be a variant, just another type of fight outside of karate precepts. The Importance of practising Kihon, focusing on Kata, enables a practitioner to strengthen, identify weaknesses, extract and filter technique, enables opportunities to change, refine and correct techniques for stances, transitions, breathing contraction, expansion, hip rotation and other technical details. Kihon is directly related to Kata and Kumite practise and is an important performance tool.

Kihon in martial arts can also be seen as analogous to fundamental basic skills in other sports (eg Rugby) where players practice scrumming, passing, line outs, kicking etc., attempting to maintain and perfect the more complex skills used during a match. Each a separate element to be practised, examined and dissected, to reshape, where necessary, on that path of continual improvement.

Kihon techniques are practised habitually, during each practice session, as Kihon is regarded as the cornerstone to continual improvement. Practised as exercise routines, the same technique or combination is repeated multiple times moving forward and back across the floor. Kihon practise ingrains the techniques into the muscle memory of student karateka.

At Sedai we practice Shotokan Karate which adopts “kihon kata" as part of teaching beginners. Kihon also takes the form of prearranged partner drills where two students facing each other alternate execution of a technique. This approach combines repetition with training in distancing. For more advanced stages of Kihon training, targets for punching and kicking, such as bags, shields, or dummies, are used to strengthen muscles, bones, and skin.

The basics can be learned relatively quickly but perfecting them can take a lifetime. Regular practice, maximising ones own effort and concentration in the execution of each and every movement and technique is the ultimate goal. However, this will be less effective unless the techniques are precisely and scientifically sound with a systematic and methodical practice and training. To be effective, training must be conducted on the basis of correct physiological and psychological principles. Combining these elements generates a more effective outcome to improve and perfect basic techniques of blocking, punching, striking and kicking.

Kihon is also the opportunity for a karateka practitioner to cultivate spirit and attitude at all times, not only for the practice of techniques in training.

KIHON-KATA-KUMITE