Hangetsu (Japanese: “Half Moon”) is an advanced kata practiced in Shotokan karate. It originates from the Naha-te school. The first part is executed slowly with strong breathing, stressing the development of the hara. This sequence shares a strong similarity with sanchin. The second part of the kata is more dynamic in its execution, with... more »
Heian means “peaceful mind”. This kata is the first of five introductory kata, developed by Yasutsune Itosu (one of Gichin Funakoshi’s instructors). Although scholars do not agree on how the Heian kata were created, it is commonly stated that all are derived in some part from the higher level kata, Kanku‐dai (In addition to... more »
Heian means “peaceful mind”. This kata is the first of five introductory kata, developed by Yasutsune Itosu (one of Gichin Funakoshi’s instructors). Although scholars do not agree on how the Heian kata were created, it is commonly stated that all are derived in some part from the higher level kata, Kanku‐dai (In addition to... more »
Heian Nidan is the second of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. This kata introduces the student for the first time to kicking techniques within a Kata such as yoko geri keage (side snapping kick), and mae geri, (front kick). In addition several new hand techniques are also introduced for the... more »
Heian Nidan is the second of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. This kata introduces the student for the first time to kicking techniques within a Kata such as yoko geri keage (side snapping kick), and mae geri, (front kick). In addition several new hand techniques are also introduced for the... more »
Heian Sandan is the third of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. The third kata in the heian series is noted for the introduction of kiba dachi (horse riding stance). Also introduced for the first time is a two handed combination block, in this case a gedan barai (lower level down... more »
Heian Sandan is the third of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. The third kata in the heian series is noted for the introduction of kiba dachi (horse riding stance). Also introduced for the first time is a two handed combination block, in this case a gedan barai (lower level down... more »
Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Shotokan Karate katas. Heian Shodan is composed entirely of “basic” techniques. There is nothing “fancy” at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is actually the hardest of all kata to do and do correctly. This... more »
Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Shotokan Karate katas. Heian Shodan is composed entirely of “basic” techniques. There is nothing “fancy” at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is actually the hardest of all kata to do and do correctly. This... more »
Heian Yodan is the fourth of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” of Shotokan Karate katas. The layout of this kata is a plus sign on top of a minus sign. It starts at the center of the plus sign. The kata also ends in the same place. From this starting point the kata... more »
Heian Yodan is the fourth of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” of Shotokan Karate katas. The layout of this kata is a plus sign on top of a minus sign. It starts at the center of the plus sign. The kata also ends in the same place. From this starting point the kata... more »
Hirokazu Kanazawa is a world-renowned Japanese master of Shotokan karate. He is the Chief instructor and President of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation, an organisation he founded after he left the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Kanazawa was born on 3 May 1931 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. He trained in judo during his school years,... more »
Hironori Otsuka was born in Shimodate City in Japan in 1892. He was the second of four children. His father Tokujiro was a doctor and his uncle Chojiro Ebasi was the official martial arts instructor of the Tsuchiura Clan. At the age of five even though he was in poor health he began training... more »
The Hook kick (in Korean, huryeo chagi or golcho chagi, in Japanese ushiro mawashi geri) strikes with the heel from the side (or flat of the foot in sparring). It is executed similar to a side kick. However, the kick is intentionally aimed slightly off target in the direction of the kicking foot’s toes.... more »
Learn how to throw a back fist to make your opponent feel the force in this free martial arts training video from expert Kyokushin karate instructor Tony... more »
Learn how to block hook punches with advanced Kyokushin karate techniques in this free martial arts training video from expert Kyokushin karate instructor Tony... more »