Upon starting out in karate, your curriculum consists of seven basic strikes, five basic blocks, four basic kicks and four basic stances. In fact, while you learn these at White belt, a student continues to work on these basic techniques right through to Black belt and beyond.
Of course, numerous other techniques and training exercises are added along the way, but it is these basic techniques that create the foundation, or platform, from which a karate student develops their skill and principles.
During class, it is common to hear Japanese terminology being used, predominantly with the names of techniques practised and counting. With beginners, both the English and Japanese terms are used. For example, an Instructor might tell the class to prepare for a Chudan Tsuki Stomach Level Punch. As you proceed up the grades, less and less English is used.
Click here to download the Japanese and English Terminology of all your Strikes, Blocks, Kicks and Stances.