Basic techniques of karate (punching, blowing, kicking, blocking, sweeping, throwing, strangling, lever, arm-lock techniques)

In kihon ("basic lessons"), all basic techniques of karate are practised. A continuing development in karate is not possible without intensive training of kihon. Owing to the permanent repetitions, it is guaranteed that the performance of the techniques is made perfect on and on in course of time. The degree of difficulty of the techniques primarily depends on the training level of the karate pupils. Single techniques separately as well as combinations with any number of single techniques are trained. Especially advanced karatékas must concern themselves with combination techniques, in order to continue improving their technique repertoire.

Kata

Translated, kata is tantamount to "form", and includes a traditionally delivered succession of techniques and step combinations. Kata is not a mere line-up of techniques, however, but must always been regarded as entire self-contained unit. Kata represents a fight against several imaginary opponents. This fight must be performed realistically, however. Subsequent to the performance of the kata, the meaning of the individual techniques must be shown, i.e. that all movements shown in the kata must be demonstrated in traditional or free practice with partners. Therefore, kata sets highest demands on the karatéka owing to its characteristic complexity. There are approximately 50 traditional katas in all representing various degrees of difficulty. All katas were transmitted from generation to generation without written records, so that always new variants of performance and interpretations developed over many centuries.

Kumité

Fight and / or partner training to use the techniques learnt in kihon and kata with one or several partners in various ways

In kumité ("fight training"), the techniques learnt in kihon are practised together with partners. A basic requirement for this is that all techniques must be stopped directly in front of the calculated objective. This requires a maximum of concentration, however. In case the techniques are performed in an uncontrolled way, there is the danger of hurting the training partner. Kumité is not trained with one single partner only, however - the fight against several attackers belongs also to the training of sabaki karate. The requirements of the partner training depend on the respective training level of the karatékas.

Self-defence

Realistic practice of the techniques learnt in kihon, kata, and kumité for defending unarmed and armed attacks on the person itself

From time immemorial, the object of karate is to be able to defend oneself against attackers. In most cases, attacks on the person itself or on third persons have always the object to hurt the victim or to kill it in the worst case. All techniques of sabaki karate have been practised for centuries and transmitted from one generation to the next. So, an effective fighting system could be developed in course of time which does not stop on the level once acquired, but was and is developed on constantly. Our pupils are specifically prepared in the training for self-defence situations, in order to be able to react appropriately in case of emergency, i.e. that the proportionality of the means must be considered in every action of defence.

Fall Training

Many people have a natural fear to fall. This fear can be overcome by a carefully directed fall training. Just in sabaki karate, it is extremely important owing to the manifold sweeping and throwing techniques as well as balance breakings to harden the body so that it does not get hurt even in case of hard landing on the floor.

Tameshiwari

Breaking tests; smashing of hard objects (wooden boards, roof tiles, etc.) by practising karate techniques as test for their effectiveness

The breaking test serves the karatéka to check the correct performance of the techniques. In case a technique is not performed correctly during the breaking test, this may possibly lead to injuries. An intensive karate training of many years is the most important prerequisite for tameshiwari. Therefore, breaking tests are practised by advanced karatékas only (from the blue belt on).

Exercises to train condition (speed, power, staying power), ability to react, balance, feeling for distance, etc.

"Condition" is the basic requirement for sporting activity. The basic components of condition are speed, power, and staying power. In the sabaki karate training, high value, therefore, is also set on training and further development of the condition of the pupils beside the training of the technique. Thus, our karate pupils also acquire a very good general physical fitness beside comprehensive karate-technical practice. Here, the training is built up according to the latest scientific methods and knowledge.

In sabaki karate, not only the karate-technical part is taught - on the contrary, high value is also set on the psychological training of the pupils. In a realistic fighting situation outside the training, it is often required to make the right decision in split seconds. Not inconsiderate actions, but conscious and situation-adequate reaction to an attack distinguishes the karatéka. The difficulty is that one is mostly subject to the attack in an unexpected and surprising way. In order to be able to withstand such situations in "case of emergency", a carefully directed psychological training is imperative.