Every karate technique starts from a stance. The stance provides balance, power, and the ability to move in any direction. Master the stances first — everything else follows.
Stances (Dachi)
Stance
Japanese
Description
Used For
Ready stance
Musubi dachi
Feet together, heels touching, toes at 45°. Hands at sides.
Opening/closing class, bowing
Natural stance
Shizentai
Feet shoulder-width, relaxed, weight centered
Relaxed ready position
Front stance
Zenkutsu dachi
Front leg bent, back leg straight. 70% weight forward.
Forward attacks, strong blocks
Back stance
Kokutsu dachi
70% weight on back leg, front foot light.
Defensive positioning, retreating
Horse stance
Kiba dachi
Wide stance, feet parallel, knees bent outward. Low center.
Building leg strength, side techniques
Cat stance
Neko ashi dachi
90% weight on back leg, front foot barely touching.
Quick front kicks, defensive
Strikes (Tsuki / Uchi)
Technique
Japanese
How
Key Cue
Straight punch
Oi-zuki
Step forward, punch with the lead hand. Twist fist on contact.
Rotate the hip — power comes from the core, not the arm
Reverse punch
Gyaku-zuki
Punch with the rear hand from a front stance.
The most powerful technique in karate — full hip rotation
Backfist strike
Uraken uchi
Snap the back of the fist in a whipping motion
Speed, not power — used to the temple or face
Knife hand strike
Shuto uchi
Open hand strike using the edge of the hand
”Karate chop” — targets the neck, collarbone, ribs
Elbow strike
Empi uchi
Close-range strike with the point of the elbow
Devastating at close range — used in kata and self-defense
Blocks (Uke)
Block
Japanese
Defends Against
Rising block
Age uke
Attacks to the face and head
Outside block
Soto uke
Straight punches to the chest/face
Inside block
Uchi uke
Hooks and roundhouse strikes
Downward block
Gedan barai
Kicks and low strikes
Knife hand block
Shuto uke
Wide variety — used in back stance
Kicks (Geri)
Kick
Japanese
How
Training Focus
Front kick
Mae geri
Lift the knee, snap the foot forward, strike with the ball of the foot
The first kick every student learns. Practice chamber (knee up) before extending.
Roundhouse kick
Mawashi geri
Pivot on the standing foot, kick in an arc, strike with the instep or ball of foot
Hip rotation is everything. Pivot the standing foot 180°.
Side kick
Yoko geri
Lift the knee across the body, thrust the foot sideways, strike with the heel
The strongest kick in karate — requires good hip flexibility
Back kick
Ushiro geri
Turn and thrust straight back with the heel
Powerful but requires looking over the shoulder for accuracy
Crescent kick
Mikazuki geri
Swing the leg in an arc, striking with the sole of the foot
Used to knock weapons or strike the face — requires flexibility
What to practice at home: Stances and front kicks. Stand in front stance for 30 seconds each side. Practice 10 front kicks each leg with proper chamber. These two things build the foundation for everything else.
