Karate Moves for Beginners

Karate is one of the world's most widely recognized martial arts. Karate emphasizes control, precision, discipline, and self-knowledge. In addition, value is placed on peace and meditation.

Martial arts mastery always starts at the fundamentals, and Karate is no exception. Advanced karate moves are often made up of multiple "Katas" or choreographed sets of movements. Karate, as with all martial arts, focuses on precision and technique rather than raw strength. Mastery of Karate comes from reflex actions: practicing a technique or skill so often that it becomes second nature to you. Once you master Karate, you'll be able to draw upon it without thinking twice during a competitive or self-defense situation.

Explore the various definitions and word meanings associated with karate by reading through this resource.

Karate training is comprised of three elements, kihon, kata, and kumite.

Kihon are known as the "fundamentals," the building blocks of more advanced sequences of Karate moves known as "Katas." Thus, Kihon is the foundation of Karate. Kihon allows the karate student, or karateka, to learn Karate in an organized and structured manner. As the rank of the student increases and as they advance in belt color, Kihon becomes more complex and more difficult. 

That's why you must practice Kihon until you can execute them without thinking. Even simple techniques like blocking, punching, kicking, and striking demand regular practice.

Kata, or "forms," are combinations of Kihon performed in a sequence. They are intended to simulate a fight against multiple attackers. Kihon teaches self-defense and the ability to act efficiently in stressful situations.

The basic Heian Kata has 20 to 27 movements, and advanced Kata can have more than 60 movements. Kata always begins and ends on the same point on the floor. Correct execution of Kata includes the proper application of power, the right speed, whether fast or slow and the expansion and contraction of the body and limbs. A bow is performed at the beginning and end of every Kata.

While Muay Thai and Taekwondo frequent kicks, punches and open-handed strikes are more common in Karate. Here are some of the punches you'll likely start training with on your first day:

The Choku Zuki is primarily a straight jab executed from a natural stance. First, make a fist by folding your fingers - not over your thumb - and bend your knuckles at the base of your fingers. Then, tuck your fingers inside your palm.

Punch with the right arm and your palm facing upwards. As you pull your other arm in, your punching arm extends until the palms face downwards.

The Oi Zuki is a punch executed from a front stance, with the punching leg throwing the punch. Push your hip forward using your stance to add more momentum to the attack.

With the reverse punch, the leading leg and punching are on opposite sides. So when your right leg is in front of you, punch with your left and vice versa. It's usually intended as a counter that follows a block.

Kicks are more challenging to execute than punches but are much more powerful. Karate features movements with the arms more frequently, but kicks are essential as well. Geri requires a stable balance with a stance. It's also important to chamber your kick before and after execution, which will make your kicks more streamlined and give them more accuracy.

The Mae Geri is one of the most basic karate kicks, one that you'll likely learn on your first day of class. The front kick is done with either your front or back leg in a fighting stance. Front kicks can either be snapped or thrust. When performing the front kick, or any kick, it helps to chamber your kicks before and after execution. First, chamber your kick by bringing your leg up from the floor. Then, execute by extending your leg and hitting your target with the arch of your foot. Chamber it again by bringing in your knee, then lower your leg.

The roundhouse kick has been popularized by famous martial arts movies starring masters like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. A roundhouse is a fast kick that gets its momentum from the hips.

Raise your leg to the side while leaning back. Extend your leg in a snapping motion and hit with the top of your foot. Bring your leg back to the chamber position.

The sidekick is done from a horse stance. Bring the left leg to cross over from the right foot, pull the left leg close to the left knee, chamber the right leg, and extend to the side, the chamber.

Blocks are karate moves that are mostly performed with a closed fist or an open hand, but you can also train your legs and feet to block. Blocks are used to defend against attacks aimed at the arms and legs. When these moves are used correctly, blocks can stop or even deflect and redirect attacks regardless of their speed and power.

Any effective block can help you avoid a direct hit and give you a small window to counterattack and gain the upper hand during the match. In karate and other martial arts, learning the art of blocking is equally important as learning how to strike. Several types of blocking techniques are used in karate, but the significance is given to the major four types of karate arm blocks.

Inward blocks are also called inside blocks. These are effective methods to deflect punches and kicks that are directed to the head, like sidekicks and jabs. The movement of this block will ensure that the inside forearm meets the striker’s forearm or the back of the leg. This block will push it out and deflect the attack away from the head.

Outward blocks are also known as outside blocks. This blocking method can be effectively used to block reverse punches and reduce the impact from the roundhouse kicks. The movement of this block will leave your closed fist away from your face. Thus, when you are trying to block a wide swinging punch, aim for the inside of the striker’s forearm for a better block.

Upper blocks are also referred to as high blocks. These techniques are great for blocking hammer punches. They also prevent the damage caused by ax kicks. The movement of this block involves a closed fist pointed away from your face. Thus, when blocking a hammer punch, you should use your forearm against your competitors and deflect the strike.

Lower blocks or low blocks help you prevent strikes to the mid-body like hook punches, sidekicks, roundhouse kicks, etc. This blocking technique will leave your closed fist facing your body. Thus, you can use them to reduce the damage to your ribs by blocking the strikes using your outer forearm. 

Progression and advancement as a karate student come with diligent practice and a grounding in the fundamentals. When you're intimately familiar with the essential elements of Karate and practice them often, you'll be well-placed to begin a rich and rewarding path as a karateka.

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