Introduction
There are three components to our karate training : Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Each plays a crucial role to the development of karate skills and none of them can be neglected in the course of training. Kihon (basic) is the practice of fundamental techniques : blocking, punching, striking, and kicking. These techniques are the beginning and end of karate -- a Karateka (karate student) may learn them in a matter of months, yet never master them. Hence, basic techniques demand regular practice, applied with as much concentration and effort as possible. Kihon should be practised remembering the form. Balance and stability are necessary to basic techniques. Kicking (in which one leg supports the entire body) is an example of technique that depends on the Karateka's sense of balance. Karate movements involve shifting the body's centre of gravity, which demands good balance and control of the body. In addition, the Karateka requires stable joints, stances, and posture to deliver (or withstand) maximum impact in (or from) a blow.
Power and Speed
Karate would be meaningless without Kime, the ability to concentrate the greatest amount of force at the point of impact (attack or block). Those with great muscular strength do not excel at karate, if they never learn to use their muscles to the greatest effect. The Karateka, who excels, does so by maximising his muscular power through Kime. In addition, the Karateka's power is directly related to the speed of his techniques. However, speed is ineffective without proper control, concentration and relaxation of power. The Karateka cannot generate maximum power if his punches rely on the arm's muscles alone, or his kicks on the leg's muscles alone. The greatest level of power comes from concentrating all of the Karateka's strength, from every part of the body, on the target. In addition, the Karateka must generate power efficiently, using power when and where it is needed. Maximum power is required only at the point of impact. Until then, the Karateka should stay relaxed and avoid generating unnecessary power. By tensing the wrong parts of the body or tensing at the wrong time, the Karateka only diminishes the amount of power that goes into his block or attack. While he is relaxed, the Karateka should stay mentally alert. Strengthening muscle power, the Karateka must not only understand the principles of Kihon, he must give them effect with strong, elastic muscles. Strong muscles demand constant, earnest training. They also require the Karateka to know which muscles to use in his techniques : well-trained muscles will lead to strong and effective karate.
Rhythm and Timing
Karate has its own rhythm that Karateka should come to recognise and understand. No technique takes place in isolation. In combining basic techniques, the Karateka should pay attention to the timing of his techniques as well as the techniques themselves. A master Karateka's movements not only contain a great deal of power but also rhythm and in their own way, beauty. A sense of rhythm and timing will help the Karateka understand the techniques and the art of Karate in general.
Hips
The hips are a crucial, yet an often neglected component in executing karate techniques. Hip rotation adds power to the upper body, and is thus essential to strong blocks and punches. The hips' proximity to the body's centre of gravity makes them the foundation of strong, stable movements, good balance, and proper form. The Karateka cannot move as smoothly, quickly, or powerfully if the hips are passive. For this reason, teachers often remind their students to "block with your hips", "punch with your hips" and "kick from your hips".