Simplifying Complex Commonalities

An Essay of Analysis and Understanding Martial Arts

In considering the various systems and styles of martial arts around the world, it is easy to get engrossed in how they differ from each other.  What is the best martial art?  What the fastest kick?  What is the strongest punch?  All of these questions are common in the social circles of the martial arts and, while they may seem like good questions for a student to consider at face value, what they actually do is solidify the mindset of limitation.

Three Pillars of Karate

Kihon, Kata, and Kumite are the three pillars of Karate.  Even though instructors are sure to teach these with varying approaches, a quality school will include all of the key concepts that I will talk about in this article to ensure that students of that school are well-rooted in the basics and have a solid foundation to build on throughout their martial arts journey.

A Punch is Just a Punch

One of the most basic striking techniques in any martial arts system is a punch.  Humans have been punching each other to settle their differences for centuries.  However, even though the punch enjoys such historical longevity, that doesn't mean that we inherently know how to properly execute the technique.

Many times, untrained fighters will injure themselves when attempting to attack with a simple punch.  Broken knuckles, sprained or fractured wrist bones, and jammed elbows are some of the more common injuries to be had from incorrectly punching another person or even a punching bag.  Even trained fighters can injure themselves throwing a punch.

Professional boxers and mixed martial artists wear gloves and wrist wraps to help minimize the damage done to themselves through continual punching during a bout.  How can a beginner or intermediate level martial artist hope to get through their training without rendering their own hands useless?  The answer is proper technique.

I Am a Martial Artist

I am a martial artist.
I see through different eyes.
I see the bigger picture
when others see gray skies.

Though many can't conceive it,
I stand... facing the wind.
My bravery, not from fighting,
but from my strength within.

I am a martial artist.
I'll walk the extra mile.
Not because I have too,
but because it's worth my while.

I know that I am different
when I stand on a crowded street.
I know the fullness of winning;
I've tasted the cup of defeat.

I am a martial artist.
They say I walk with ease.
Though trained for bodily harm,
my intentions are for peace.

The worl may come and go
but a different path I'll choose.
A path I will not stray from,
no matter, win or lose.

- Karen Eden

Taikyoku: The Kihon Kata of Karate

The term "kihon" refers to the basic, fundamental techniques of Karate and the bio-mechanical actions used to execute those techniques with necessary timing, speed, power, and spirit.  More simply put, "kihon" is the stances, blocks, punches, kicks, locks, throws, and mindset that are taught, practiced, and perfected through consistent study and training.

The term "kata" refers to the pre-defined series of actions that have been constructed in a logical sequence used for developing proper kihon and/or bunkai of various techniques and transitions.

Most major systems of Karate have developed kihon kata as a means of introducing new students to the basic techniques and transitional movements of their system before moving on to more advanced techniques and kata.  Many systems, today, practice the same or very similar kihon kata which are based off of the three Taikyoku kata (Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan) that were originally created by Yoshitaka "Gigo" Funakoshi, son of Gichin "Shoto" Funakoshi, in the 1930's and first published in the Second Edition of "Karate-Do Kyohan" in 1958.

The two kanji characters (太極) used for the Japanese word "taikyoku" translates to "First Cause" and are also used for the Chinese word "taiji", which translates to "Grand Ultimate".  In Karate-Do Kyohan, Funakoshi wrote, "Because of its simplicity, the kata is easily learned by beginners.  Nevertheless, as its name implies, this form is of the most profound character and one to which, upon mastery of the art of Karate, an expert will return to select it as the ultimate training kata" (page 42).

Fig. 1: Taikyoku kata embusen

The following is a list of some variations of the Taikyoku kata.  All variations follow the "I-Shaped" embusen which resembles the pathway used by the Pinan/Heian kata from which they were derived.

Shotokan:

• Taikyoku Shodan
• Taikyoku Nidan
• Taikyoku Sandan
• Taikyoku Yondan
• Taikyoku Godan
• Taikyoku Rokudan

Shito-Ryu:

• Juni No Ichi
• Juni No Ni
• Juni No San

Goju-Ryu:

• Taikyoku Gedan
• Taikyoku Chudan
• Taikyoku Jodan
• Taikyoku Tora Guchi
• Taikyoku Kake Uke

Kyokushin:

• Taikyoku Sono Ichi
• Taikyoku Sono Ni
• Taikyoku Sono San
• Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi
• Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ni
• Sokugi Taikyoku Sono San
• Taikyoku Ura 
• Taikyoku Tate