The previous episode was on Kata Taikyoku Shodan. We’ll now move on to Kihon techniques for yellow belts. For a Karateka to learn the basics of each belt, they need to be proficient with a set of techniques before they get to the next level. These techniques are a combination of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, and sweeps.

In this episode, we will learn the basic techniques necessary for a yellow belt Karateka. Let's look at techniques done in a forward stance position.

1.    Down block, inner forearm block, reverse punch: When two punches are headed at you, block the first one with a downward block, use the same hand to deflect the next punch with an inner forearm block, and attack with a middle punch

2.    Upper block, outer forearm block, reverse punch: Block the punch to your face using an upper block, use the same hand to deflect a punch to the chest with an outer forearm block, and attack with a middle punch

3.    Inner forearm block, upper block, reverse punch: Move forward, use an inner forearm block to ward off a middle punch, use the same hand to deflect a punch to the face using an upper block, and attack with a middle punch

4.    Outer forearm block, down block, reverse punch: Move forward, block a middle punch with an outer forearm block, use the same hand to deflect the next punch with a down block, and attack with a middle punch

5.    Down block, back fist strike, reverse punch: Block a punch with the down block, move the same hand in a semicircular motion to strike the attacker’s face with the back fist, and finish with a reverse punch

6.    Upper block, back fist strike, reverse punch: Block a punch to the face with the upper block, use the same hand to strike the nose or face with a back fist, and attack with a reverse punch

7.    Inner forearm block, back fist strike, reverse punch: Use an inner forearm block to ward off a punch, immediately land a back fist strike with the same hand, and finish with a reverse punch

8.    Outer forearm block, back fist strike, reverse punch: Move forward, use the outer forearm block to deflect a punch, strike the attacker’s temple with the back fist in a spring action, and follow through with a middle punch

9.    Front kick, leg forward, down block, reverse punch: Move forward with a front kick to stop the attacker advancing towards you, keep your leg forward as you land down, use a down block to ward off another attack, and finish with a middle punch

10.    Side kick, leg forward, upper block, reverse punch: Stop the attacker’s advance with a side kick, landing with your leg forward, use the upper block to deflect another attack, and finish with a middle punch

All the above techniques are to be done in a forward moving position and in a backward moving position. The techniques aim at building basic defence and counterattack capabilities in a Karateka. Now that you have even more moves up your sleeve, practice them till they're perfect. Our next blog will be on Kata Taikyoku Sandan.