Shotokan Karate is a traditional Budo (Japanese Martial Art).
As such all lessons begin and end with Mokuso (Silent Meditation), performed whilst sitting in Seiza (Kneeling Position).
Following this, there is a period of stretching & warming up designed to include all major areas, joints and muscle groups of the body.
The lesson is then split into three parts - KIHON, KUMITE & KATA
KIHON (Basics) comprises of basic and fundamental techniques & combinations of punches, blocks, kicks and steps. As a Karateka (Karate Student) develops their skills and moves up through their belts towards Shodan - 1st Dan Black Belt, the KIHON become more complicated combinations of techniques, also harnessing and developing breathing, stances and the HARA (lower Abdomen).
KUMITE (Sparring / Fighting). Beginners & Intermediate Students engage in Yakusoku Kumite (Promise Sparring) which is controlled. This then leads on eventually to Jiyu Kumite (Free Sparring) for advanced Karateka (Karate Students). KUMITE at all levels, because it involves working with a moving opponent, provides the opportunity to learn how to harmonize with an opponent by matching your movements, breathing, power & techniques with theirs.
KATA (Forms) represents the 'Spirit' and true 'Do' (Way, Path) of Karate. Designed as a pre-arranged series of offensive & defensive techniques, performed against multiple imaginary opponents. KATA becomes more complicated, involving greater numbers of combinations of techniques, as a Student moves up through their KYU Grades towards Black Belt. Each KATA begins and ends with a Rei (Bow). Performed with power and control whilst being mindful of the true Bunkai (meaning and understanding) of the techniques & rythm / flow of the KATA itself. Throughout the KATA it is imperative to remain in a state of Zanshin (Mental Preparedness). A KATA is executed along the Embusen (Performance line) which dictates the overall pattern of movements unique to that specific KATA. In the case of all KATA, the Karateka (Karate Student), provided that he adheres to the Embusen and is consistent in his / her techniques, movements & stances, should finish the KATA in the same location as where he / she began.
Sensei Yamamoto