3 Main Techniques of Karate

Karate techniques are divided into three main sections:

1. Kihon
   Kihon (基本: きほん) literally means the base or foundation. Karate practitioners must master Kihon well, before learning Kata and Kumite.
   Kihon training begins from studying the punches and kicks (white belts) and kickback (brown belt). On stage and or Black Belt, the student is considered to have mastered the entire Kihon well.


2. Kata
   Kata (型: かた) literally means the shape or pattern. Kata in karate is not only a physical or regular aerobic exercise. But it also contains a lesson about fighting principles. Kata movements also contain many philosophies of life. Each Kata has a rhythm of movement and breathing different.
   In Kata there called Bunkai. Bunkai is an application that can be used on the basis of said movements. Each stream has a different movement and different names for each Kata.
   For example: Kata, in Shotokan flow is Tekki, known as Naihanchi in Shito Ryu flow.
   As a result of Bunkai ( Kata application ) each flow is also different.


3. Kumite
   

   Kumite (组 手: くみて) literally means "meeting of hands". Kumite performed by advanced students (blue belt or higher). But now, there is a dojo that teaches beginner Kumite at the student level (yellow belt). Before doing free kumite (Jiyu Kumite), practitioners learn regulated kumite (go hon kumite) or (yakusoku kumite). For sports Kumite flow, better known as Kumite Shiai or match Kumite.

   In Shotokan flow in Japan, Kumite only by students who have already reached the level and (black belt). Practitioners are required to be able to keep his punches so as not to injure comrades compete.
   In "direct contact flow" as Kyokushin, Karate practitioners are already accustomed to doing kumite since blue belt strip.
   Kyokushin practitioner allowed to launch a kick and punch her might toward the opponent's play.
   In combinations flow such as Wado-ryu, the technique consists of a combination of Karate and Jujutsu, then Kumite is divided into two kinds, namely:
   -For Shiai preparation Kumite, which is trained only techniques that are allowed in the game.
   -Goshinjutsu Kumite or for self-defense Kumite, all techniques used, including Jujutsu moves like dings, locks, and attacking vital points.