Karate Wellness - Mind, Body and Spirit

Organization of Karate Techniques

Karate Body

1.  Stances - 3 Main Stances
A. Front Stance	About 1 shoulder width apart Length - about 2 shoulder widths apart 60-40 weight displacement Front knee over second toe for alignment Back foot at about 45 degree angle or less to line of movement
B.  Back Stance	Heals in line and length about twice the shoulder width 70/30 Weight displacement Back hip over knee over second toe front knee slightly bent
C. Side Stance	50/50 weight displacement knees over second toes Triangle on the top, rectangle on the bottom
2. Postures - 3 Positions
A. Front facing	Body Square to Target
B. Half Front Facing	45 degree to the target (reverse also)
C. Side Facing	Body perpendicular to the target
3. Technique
The correct route of travel from point A to B for kicks, blocks, strikes, and punches as well as correct alignment of the limbs in use.
4. Use of Core Strength
5 ways to create power. They are vibration, rotation, thrusting, jumping, and downward thrust
5. Speed
The correct expansion and contraction of muscles create the quickest movement
6. Focus
Explosive movement as a result of contracting muscles instantaneously at the moment of impact
7. Breathing
Exhale sharply with execution of technique
8. Karate Spirit (Kiai) - Express internal energy - 3 Benefits
A.	Deterrent - Discourage Opponent
B.	Increase of Confidence
C.	Increase Power
9. Karate Mind
Visualize your opponent, concentration