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by cejames

Kihon is repeated until the movement becomes almost instinctive, obtaining a perfect action.

(Something which is) fundamental. To see beneath the surface features of the technique and grasp the core common is to comprehend the KIHON.

Kihon is the term for the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of all later movements added to karate. At the simple level this would include stances, punches, kicks and blocks. Styles of karate differ greatly in their focus or lack thereof on Kihon. Some styles have a set of twelve basics that are practiced consistently every single class.

When a student first starts training in karate they are introduced to individual techniques such as strikes, blocks, and kicks. The practice is referred to as Kihon or basics. In some Isshinryu dojo they are referred to as chart 1 (Te no bu “Hand part”) and chart 2  (Ashi no bu  “Foot part”) basics.  Kihon is performed while in a mostly stationary position.

As a student progresses they will then begin ippon Kihon or one step basics. This means a student will move from a hieko stance to seisan stance when performing upper basics and the same movement for the lower basics.

The practice of basics while moving about the dojo floor is referred to as ‘Kihon Ido’ or moving basics. It is simply adding in steps while you perform blocks, strikes, and kicks. This form of practice takes it beyond the ippon kihon to a movement in the forward and then reverse direction. Finally or the last phase is providing movement in one, two, three, or all four directions.

This type of training sets the foundation for all karate training to follow. Stringing basics together in jiyu kihon or free style basics allows the student to prepare for learning the style’s kata.

Basics, in all its forms, are practiced for the entire life of the karate practitioner. Students should practice kihon until they are instinctive and they should visualize opponents attacking with various basic techniques as they practice. This basic practice is carried into other area’s of karate practice to include one of the most important aspects of karate training, visualization within kata and bunkai.