When I think about the way karate is traditionally taught, one thing stands out: the overwhelming emphasis placed on solo kihon (sometimes called the “basics”). This practice—punching, blocking, and moving in perfect stances with precise form—is familiar to anyone who has set foot in a traditional dojo.
While there is undeniable value in building physical discipline, coordination, and basic motor skills, I believe the general approach to the practice of karate basics is not inline with the art’s original, practical intentions. Karate was meant for self-defence/protection, and yet getting good at the “basics” doesn’t adequately prepare us for real world violence.
To me, the concept of “basics” in karate should not be synonymous with isolated, solo techniques practiced in a vacuum. Instead, the basics of karate should center on functional applications: simple, effective methods for handling violence in close quarters. Techniques like limb traps, strikes, grabs, locks, throws, takedowns, joint locks, and chokes should form the foundation of our training. These are the real fundamentals—skills that prepare us for the chaos and unpredictability of a violent encounter.
For example, practicing a perfect downward block in a line drill does not translate into being able to defend yourself if someone grabs your wrist or throws a punch at your face. The movement itself might be relevant, but it needs to be practiced in a way that relates to how violence occurs. We should be teaching karateka how to trap an opponent’s limb, deliver an effective strike, or execute a throw or joint lock—all within the context of self-protection.
The essence of this argument is not to abandon kihon practice altogether but to redefine what it means to get good at basics. Traditional solo kihon is often devoid of context, turning karate into a stylised and ritualised practice rather than a functional combative art.
When I think about having good basics, I think about having a strong ability to perform simple movement a such as :-
limb traps
grips and strikes
joint locks
takedowns and throws
chokes and strangles
This list is by no means exhaustive but the ability to perform the above is what I think is the real core “basics” of karate, rather than line-walking solo motions.
As I have written above, solo kihon has its place and a purpose, and I agree that karateka should have high quality “basics”. It is the definition of “basics” that I am advocating needs to be re-assessed.
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