The Japanese word 'kihon' is translated as 'basic' and so naturally kihon training is the most basic form of karate training. Kihon consists of repeating individual techniques (or short sequences of techniques) many times, forward and backwards and on the left and right side. These individual techniques are the building blocks on which the rest of karate is built and therefore …..

" IF YOUR KIHON IS POOR, ALL THE REST OF YOUR KARATE WILL BE POOR !"

The reason for this is that it is not possible to do a good karate technique in a kata or kumite situation (when there are other aspects to consider), if you cannot first do the technique well on its own.

The main aims of kihon training are :

• To learn individual techniques (blocks, kicks, punches, strikes and locks)
• To exercise the muscles and build the strength required to do these techniques properly
• To develop the suppleness required to do these techniques
• To improve each technique (by performing it faster and stronger)
• To perfect your karate techniques, by understanding and perfecting all the details (breathing, muscle tension etc.) which contribute to making the technique more powerful

In the 2 other main firms of karate training (kata and kumite) there are many other aspects of karate to think about (opponents, application, defence etc, as well as the job of simply remembering the correct sequences of moves). Therefore kihon training provides the best opportunity to concentrate on improving your karate techniques and all the aspects which contribute to making karate techniques so powerful (kime, hips, breathing, speed, stances, strength of joints, target areas etc).

Although probably the least exciting of the 3 forms of training, in terms of participation, kihon training probably contributes the largest amount to the power of your karate. Therefore, if you do not use kihon training correctly, your karate will have a tendency to be weak. For those who find kihon training less exciting than kata or kumite, you must still work hard during your kihon training, as the power of your karate will not increase if you only work hard at kata and kumite.