Contraction/Expansion First of all, let me point out that muscles do not “expand” so much as they “lengthen” and “contract” is slightly misleading as well. What is often meant by contraction/expansion in Karate, however, is not so much an explanation of what the muscles do, as a relational description of the movements of various parts […]
Tension vs Relaxation Relaxation and tension (muscular contraction) are both necessary parts of proper karate technique. Some people are naturally tense, and have an easy time tightening their muscles during a technique, but find it difficult to relax in between. Others tend to be more relaxed, and have an easy time flowing through motions […]
Rei – Bowing Most Karate practitioners bow many times each time they visit the dojo. Some bow every time they enter the dojo, at the beginning and end of class, at the beginning and end of every kata (form) repetition and every time they face a new partner in kumite (sparring) practice. Most take it […]
Alignment: Channeling Power Through Proper Body Positioning Proper alignment is crucial for maximizing effectiveness of karate techniques. Through proper alignment of relevant body parts, we can use strength and speed more efficiently and effectively. And through practicing poorly-aligned techniques over and over, we can be inflicting unnecessary damage on our joints and muscles and […]
Jiyuu Kamae Variations of jiyuu kamae (sparring position) By definition, a free-sparring stance/guard is “free,” or up to the individual. Some points should be considered, however, regarding the effectiveness of various possibilities. For example, what is best for a tournament may not be best for a self-defense situation. Stance and Guard The free sparring position […]
