A typical karate practice session usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training eercises.  The exercises are divided into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques), in which yiou learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc. of karate; kata (forms), in which you practice and physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent.  As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and degree of the exercises.  Of course, there will also be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette and the more philosophical aspects of karate.

Last updated on July 9, 2009 by Erik Larsen