Our Traditional Karate class is the core of our offering at North Harbour Kyokushin and it’s where you’ll learn the fundamentals of Kyokushin Karate.
Whilst each class is different in content and structure, as determined by the instructors, there are some common things you’ll learn that will carry you on your Kyokushin journey.
Etiquette and Formalities
Kyokushin Karate originated in Japan, a land known for its intricate, and sometimes complicated, etiquette. In Kyokushin Karate, we teach and convey concepts such as discipline, humility, service, and respect through the honouring of certain Japanese etiquette and traditions. There is a strict sense of heirarchy in the dojo students are expected to honour those who have worked hard to attain their rank and who take the time to hand down the lessons and skills. Sometimes people get confused and think that there is a religious component to our traditions. Whilst this may have been partially true many years ago in Japan, there is no such component in modern practices. Our actions, such as bowing, are intended to convey both respect and humility.
Junbi Undo (Warm ups)
To reduce the risk of injury, it’s important to warm up our muscles and joints before we get into the more energetic parts of class. Kyokushin has a standard set of warm-up exercises from which the instructors may choose prior to moving into the main part of class.
Kihon and Ido Geiko
“Kihon” is the term that describes all the basic techniques of Kyokushin Karate, to include punches, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Kihon is a core component of any karate and is a key part of the Kihon, Kata, Kumite triad that collectively forms the cornerstone of karate. Sosai Mas Oyama said that Kihon is like letters of the alphabet, Kata is like words and sentences, and Kumite is like a conversation. Therefore, we must spend a great deal of time on Kihon, as it is only through repetition that techniques are refined so that they are eventually executed correctly through muscle memory and can be useful in other contexts.
Ido Geiko is simply applying the basics whilst in motion, moving through stances and transitions.
Kata
Kata is the execution of techniques in motion, in a pre-defined pattern. Kata allows the karateka (student) to practice and refine their techniques in different patterns and with different combinations. Kata can be a meditative practice as well as a full-body workout! Kata is also a category of competition in Kyokushin Karate tournaments. Some forms of karate only have a few kata to learn. Kyokushin Karate has a large number of kata to master, including variations of standard katas done with a spinning component (known as “ura” katas).
Typical Kyokushin katas include:
- Taikyoku 1,2,3 (plus ura forms)
- Sokugi Taikyoku 1,2,3 (plus ura forms)
- Pinan 1,2,3,4,5 (plus ura forms)
- Gekisai 1,2,3
- Sanchin
- Yantsu
- Tensho
- Tsuki-no
- Saifa
- Tekki 1,2,3
- Bassai
- Seienchin
- Garyu
- Kanku
- Sushiho
- Seipai
Kumite
Kumite is the practical application of techniques in a fight scenario. Kumite literally translates to “grappling hands”. Whilst many styles of karate focus on kata and only conduct kumite in a sport, “points based” setting, Kyokushin Karate is famous for emphasizing kumite in its training. There are several different forms of kumite, including ippon kumite (one step sparring, sanbon kumite (three step sparring), and jiyu kumite (free sparring). All students practice kumite regularly and there is a kumite component to all gradings. For jiyu kumite, beginners start with light contact wearing gloves and shinguards, all under the watchful eye of the instructors. Children also wear knee pads, chest guards, and head gear for tournaments. As students progress, kumite gradually becomes more vigorous and challenging…all still done in a safe way, however! By the time a student reaches the elite black belt levels as an adult, tournament kumite is done bare knuckle, with no pads. In elite tournaments, the goal is to overpower or incapacitate your opponent and cause them to lose the will or ability to fight. Don’t worry though, no student is ever under obligation to compete at these bare knuckle, full-contact levels; competitors at this level are always competing by choice. Still, all students benefit from the confidence that vigorous kumite training brings.
Other components
In addition to the cornerstone components of Kihon, Kata, and Kumite, students will also learn other components of karate, including things like Goshin Jitsu (self defence) and Tameshiwari (Breaking). At senior kyu grades, students will begin to learn how to teach certain techniques rather than just following along.
