Hagakure Karate Club

Basic training involves the learning and development of a variety of defending and attacking techniques. At Hagakure Karate Club, the emphasis is on speed, strength, power and the ability to react. Techniques include punches, kicks, use of elbows and knees, as well as open hand techniques.

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. More appropriately, each technique within a kata is a stand alone technique which may be applied to a wide variety of circumstances, which with sufficient practice will enable the Karateka to defend him or herself.

The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks, and throws. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques—with every technique potentially a killing blow, while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm). As the karateka grows older, more emphasis is placed on the health benefits of practising kata, promoting fitness while keeping the body soft, supple, and agile.

Great importance and practice is placed on the practical application of these techniques, known as “Bunkai”.

Kumite, or sparring, is the further practical application of basic techniques and kata to real opponents. Kumite develops in intensity, through training , and is generically known as ippon kunite, jiyu ippon kumite and jiyu kumite.

A point of note is that training Kumite within the dojo has no relationship to sport Kumite. In Kumite any and all techniques are valid, with the emphasis and mindset to ensure that whatever techniques are used, they are done so with maximum power and intention to protect oneself and end the confrontation as soon as possible.  Punches, knife hand strikes, headbutt, locks, takedowns, kicks, etc to any part of the body. In competition; certain regulations apply, certain techniques are valid, and certain target areas are restricted (such as the joints or throat). The purpose of competition is to score points through the application of Kumite principles while creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere, whereas the purpose of training Kumite in the dojo is to kill or cripple an opponent in a realistic situation, where one’s own life is threatened.