In this blog series, you will be learning Karate from Sensei Clement Sequeira and Cletus Sequeira – national level medallists and authorized instructors with over 25 years of experience. We will be going on a journey to discover everything that makes a good Karateka, i.e., a Karate practitioner.

Karate is a martial art, predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open hand techniques like knife-hand, spear-hand, palm-heel strikes, etc. Some styles also use grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and strikes to some vital points. Next, the training.

Karate training is commonly divided into:

KIHON (basics or fundamentals)

The practice and mastery of Kihon is essential to all advanced training and includes the practice of correct body form and breathing while practicing basics such as stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts.

KATA (forms)

It means "form" and refers to a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements made to be practiced alone or within groups and in unison when training. Katas start with basic formations and movements in the beginner grades and move on to complex and intense ones.

KUMITE (sparring)

Kumite is the part of Karate where a person trains against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the Kihon and Kata. Kumite training is used to hone one's reflexes and speed, and execute the techniques used during training in real-time situations and competitions where Karatekas spar against each other for points.

Karatekas go through rigorous training under an authorised teacher and are awarded coloured belts according to the Kyu and Dan grading system. Beginners start with a higher numbered grade (10th Kyu) and progress to a lower-numbered Kyu. The Dan progression starts from lower numbers (1st Dan) and moves to higher ranks. The Kyu ranks are typically colored belts. A Dan rank is a Black Belt with progressive levels as per proficiency achieved.

Over the next few blogs, we will talk about the various techniques, forms, terminology, training, conditioning, and application of the art of Karate. A Karateka needs to enroll and train with a Sensei (teacher) under a Dojo (a martial arts training school).

Karate Gi

Once enrolled, the Karateka is given a Gi and is expected to appear in the Gi, at all times, when practicing Karate. Karate Gi is the formal Japanese name for the traditional uniform used for Karate practice and competition. It consists of a loose-fitting long-sleeved type top with lapels overlapping each other and secured by the Obi or the Karate belt. The bottom is a loose-fitting pant, ending above the ankle.

The Gi is designed so that it allows free movement of the hands and feet and doesn't restrict the Karateka in his practice.

Obi

The Obi or the Karate belt is made of a thick layered fabric, usually cotton, and is about 5 cms wide. The Obi is most often worn in the koma-musubi knot, referred to as the square knot. The colour of the Obi signifies the wearer's skill level. Usually, the colours start from white for beginners and end in black or red-and-white for masters.

Bowing

The training session starts with the Karateka bowing to the Sensei, called Rei, and then moving on to a ready position known as Yoi. It is a general practice in the Karate fraternity to bow to seniors and instructors and also before the start and end of any Kihon, Kata, or Kumite.

The blogs to follow will tell you more about the skill so that you can learn more about it. Thank you for reading. Our next blog will be on Punches and their Application in Karate Practice.