Shotokan Kihon 5 Double Techniques Stepping

This particular shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping is very basic, but it is confusing when you first practice it.

This is going to be part of the black Belt mock test. So karateka wanting to test for black belt have got get through the mock exam to get to the main exam. So they need to practice these double techniques and understand them fully.

Shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping

Combination 1 Oi Zuki Gyaku Zuki

Starting from a left gedan barai in zenkutsu dachi.

First combination is straight forward as you are moving from gedan barai, so there is no need to change the arms at the half way point through the step.

a. Step oi zuki with the right and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm extended forward and left arm in the hikite position.

Step oi zuki with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of oi zuki gyaku zuki.

Combination 2 Age Uke Gyaku Zuki

You can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front and the right arm shoots back to hikite ready to land and block with a right sided age uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm extended forward in the age uke preparatory position and left arm in the hikite position ready to block age uke.

Step age uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of age uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 3 Soto Uke Gyaku Zuki

You can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots back and up to the side, ready to block with a right sided soto uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the left arm back and up to the side, ready to block soto uke.

Step soto uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of soto uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 4 Uchi Uke Gyaku Zuki

Once again, you can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will once again start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots back to the left side just above the hip, ready to block with a right sided uchi uke, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the left arm back to the right side of the body just above the hip, ready to block with a left sided uchi uke.

Step uchi uke with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of uchi uke gyaku zuki.

Combination 5 Gedan Barai Gyaku Zuki

Once again, you can start each different combination from gedan barai, but as we are working on the double techniques, we will once again start from a right gyaku zuki with the left leg in front zenkutsu dachi.

a. As you start to step, sharply switch the arms so the left arm prepares in front like a punch and the right arm shoots across to the top of the left shoulder, ready to block with a right sided gedan barai, finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch with a left gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

b. As you start to step forward with the left leg, change the arms sharply, so at the halfway point you have your right arm in front like a punch and the leftt arm shoots across to the top of the right shoulder, ready to block with a right sided gedan barai.

Step gedan barai with the left and finish in the hanmi position, then drive off the back leg a punch gyaku zuki into the shomen position.

Now repeat this combination moving backwards twice, remembering to soften the back knee as you start stepping back and switch the arms at the half way point.

Here is a detailed video tutorial of gedan barai gyaku zuki.

Shotokan kihon 5 double techniques stepping

Tips

Keep the same height throughout these combinations.

Change the arms sharply at the half way point.

Use the arm changing to help with a strong step.

Work on the shomen and hanmi.

Finish each block fully before the gyaku zuki.

Remember, these are basic shotokan combinations, work and perfect these simple two technique combinations.