Tracking the Basics

After learning the first two basic karate lessons I shared in my previous article, it's now time to practice tracking, also known as walking the techniques. It is basically incorporating the basic techniques into walking forward and backwards after learning to do them in place. I can see its importance in improving footwork and coordination especially when the target is moving.

First, perform the front punch starting with the right fist. Step the right foot forward then punch with the right arm. Keep it extended then step the left foot forward and perform the front punch with the left arm while the right punch snaps back to the hip (the initial position).

Perform the tracking for the front snap kick exactly as you learned from the previous article after performing the front punch. Start with the right foot. As the right foot returns at the front, chamber the left foot and perform the front snap kick using it. Do this as you take a step in walking.

Lastly, combine the front punch with the front snap kick. First, perform the front snap kick with the right foot. Place the right foot down forward then follow with the right front punch. Perform the left snap kick and as the left foot is placed down at the front, perform the front punch using your left fist. It was not mentioned how many times this should be performed so it's all up to you.

The Fighting Stance

To form the fighting stance, place the right foot at the rear. Your feet should be about 8 inches apart. Slightly bend your knees as shown in the photo above. Bend both arms in a guard position. Both fists line up under the chin. The right fist is about 6 inches behind the left fist.

Combine the fighting stance with the reverse punch you have learned from the previous article. The purpose of this combination is to throw a punch while blocking. Keep the left arm in place to block while in fighting stance. Use the right arm to throw the reverse punch while in fighting stance. Do the same on the opposite side. This combo adds an element of surprise since the blocking arm partially hides the one throwing the punch. This is about blocking while adding a trick to surprise an opponent with a partially hidden punch.

Advanced Techniques I Look Forward to Learn

I browsed the entire book to see what techniques I'll learn after the basic ones. The book has seven lessons. Each contains a technique for upper and lower body. Here are some of the techniques I look forward to learn most.

Uppercut

I always find it awesome when I watch anime and see some characters perform uppercut and send the enemies flying sometimes. I'm so glad to know that this technique is the third lesson for upper body technique which means this will be the one I'll learn the soonest since this is next to the first two lessons I have learned. I took a glance at this one and found out the the elbow should be at 90 degrees the first time this punch hits the chin.

Roundhouse Kick

Another technique I see when I watch anime since childhood is this one. Now I know that this is called the roundhouse kick. This one is found on lesson 6. Far from my current progress. This targets the opponent sideways in front of you and would require a quarter turn. Obviously an advanced technique.

Thrust Kick

I assume this thrust kick is the most powerful kick among the lower body techniques since it's the last lesson for the kicks. This involves a forward thrusting momentum as the hip turns quickly at 45-degree angle. Like the basic kicks, the target of this technique is the midsection of the opponent using the heel of your foot. This is a big advantage tho women who wear killer heels.

Seeing these advanced techniques gives me more motivation to finish this book. If the basic techniques alone are devastating, I can imagine how powerful these advanced techniques can be. It might incapacitate someone. This is the last part of the series of karate articles I'm sharing for now. I'll continue with the succeeding techniques once I am able to perform them. Have fun while staying in good shape.