PORTSMOUTH SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB
CHARACTER | SINCERITY | EFFORT | ETIQUETTE | SELF-CONTROL
Kihon ( 基本 )
Kihon is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of karate. Sensei Denham is a great believer in the regular practice of Kihon, which was drilled into him during his many years of training under the late Sensei Enoeda.
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The practice and mastery of kihon is essential to all karate training. It includes the practice of correct body form and breathing, while practicing basics such as stances, punches, kicks and blocks, but it also includes basic representative kata. ​Kihon is not only the practicing of techniques, it is also the karateka fostering the correct spirit and attitude at all times.

Kihon techniques are so important to good karate that they should be practiced in almost all sessions. They are fundamental to mastery and improvement of all movements of greater complexity, and form the bedrock of excellence and success in both kata and kumite. Should you join Portsmouth Karate Club, you are sure to practice your Kihon regularly, but importantly, you will learn how to use all your Karate in practical real world situations.
Kata ( åž‹ )
Kihon
9th Kyu
Kata is a Japanese word describing a detailed choreographed series of movements.
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The goal of kata is to preserve and transmit proven techniques and to practice self defence against an imaginary opponent. But Kata also has practical applications, which can be combined with structured kumite to gain even more benefit from the practise of kata.

Kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. Portsmouth Karate Club practises 26 named katas as part of its overall programme of karate.
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By practicing in a repetitive manner the karateka develops the ability to execute those techniques and movements in a natural, reflex-like manner. The goal is to internalize the movements and techniques of a kata so they can be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without thought or hesitation.

Below you will find windows into YouTube detailing the kata for all belts up to and including his Sandan (3rd Dan). The kata are demonstrated by the amazing Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Ohta, of the JKA.
Heian Shodan
8th Kyu
Heian Nidan
7th Kyu
Heian Sandan
6th Kyu
Heian Yondan
5th Kyu
Heian Godan
4th Kyu
Tekki Shodan
3th Kyu
Bassai Dai
2nd Kyu, 1st Kyu, 1st Dan
Kanku Dai
1st Dan
Enpi
1st Dan
Jion
1st Dan
Hangetsu
1st Dan
Bassai Sho
2nd Dan
Kanku Sho
2nd Dan
Nijushiho
2nd Dan
Jitte
2nd Dan
Tekki Nidan
2nd Dan
Sochin
3rd Dan
Unsu
3rd Dan
Gankaku
3rd Dan
Chinte
3rd Dan
Goju Shiho Sho
3rd Dan
Kumite ( 組手 )
Kumite, literally translated, means "grappling hands" and is one of the three main disciplines of karate training, along with kata and Kihon.
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Kumite involves training against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the Kihon and kata. Good kumite always stems from a solid foundation in Kihon.

The first type of kumite for beginners of Shotokan Karate is Gohon Kumite. The defender, using basic and well formed Kihon techniques, steps back each time, blocking the attacks and performing a counterattack after the last, fifth block. This is sometimes limited to 3 techniques, in which case the exercise is termed Sanbon Kumite.

Another form of kumite a karateka practices is ippon kumite, or one-step. This kumite is much faster and more powerful than Gohon Kumite, and normally includes a much wider repertoire of attacks and blocks than the more basic forms of kumite. Although good Kihon is still practiced in ippon kumite.
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Jiyu kumite is the least structured of all kumite. It is free sparring where each opponent attacks and blocks with whatever technique they deem fit to beat their opponent. Jiyu kumite is practiced with control to avoid injury to either karaketa, and should also include the wearing of padded hand mitts and a gum shield.