Here’s a good focus pads exercise, using single karate strikes and some basic footwork. Video at the bottom of this page.

My Sensei always used to say to me, hit hard, fast and accurately! We practice a striking art, so karateka should be good at striking. I always try and encourage karateka to hit things with intent. With the focus pads, kick shields, punch bag, etc, the karateka when practicing at speed should try and destroy whatever they hit! Ossu Linden

Single Karate Strikes

1. 1. Striking karateka starts from left fighting stance.
   2. Strike the first pad with a right teisho uchi (palm heel strike), drive from the right leg
   3. Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a left teisho uchi (palm heel strike).
   4. Step back with the right leg, then drive in with the left leg and strike with a right heito uchi (ridge hand strike).
   5. Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a right shuto uchi (knife hand strike).
   6. Immediately follow the shuto uchi with a left heito uchi (ridge hand strike).
   7. Step back with the right leg, then drive in with the left leg and strike with a left shuto uchi (knife hand strike).
   8. Immediately follow the shuto uchi with a right gyaku zuki (reverse punch).
   9. Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a left gyaku zuki (reverse punch).
   10. Step back with the right leg, then drive in with the left leg and strike with a left uraken uchi (back fist strike), immediately followed by a right tettsui uchi (bottom fist strike).
   11. Pull the left leg back, then drive in with the right leg and strike with a right uraken uchi (back fist strike), immediately followed by a right tettsui uchi (bottom fist strike).

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