New to karate, or returning after a break? This follow along first karate class is perfect as an introduction to karate or a ‘getting back into karate practice’ video to follow along to.

Repetition is very important with karate, so for each technique we have a small repetition section, there is no need to move at speed and power at the moment, stay relaxed and move lightly.

We have added no kicks into this first karate class. We practice a short warm, which includes a basic footwork exercise that helps with agility and moving on the balls of the feet, as opposed to moving flat footed. 

This warm up exercise also has a some tai sabaki (body evasion). Getting used to moving to the sides early on is definately a huge positive part of karate practice. Many karateka continuously train moving backwards and forwards only and find it extremely difficult to slip to the sides.

Even though this warm up exercise seems very basic, the effects on your karate can be huge.

First Karate Class

Basic Shotokan Techniques

Choku Zuki

The first technique we practice is Choku zuki (straight punch). As i mention in the video, we cover the basic technique, follow this link for a more detailed explanation of choku zuki.

Age Uke

The second technique we practice is age uke (upper block). Here is a basic but more detailed tutorial of age uke.

There are several ways Shotokan Dojo practice age uke, we have a video where we go through three different ways to practice age uke.

Uchi Ude Uke

The third technique we practice is uchi ude uke (inside forearm block). Here is a basic but more detailed tutorial for uchi ude uke. Like age uke, there are different ways to practice uchi uke and we have a video that covers three different ways to practice inside forearm block.

Gedan Barai

The fourth basic shotokan karate technique we practice in this class is gedan barai (down block). This is probably the easiest of the basic blocks to pick up. 

Here is a basic but more detailed tutorial for gedan barai. Like age uke, there are different ways to practice down block and we have a video that covers two different ways to practice down block.

If you are a returning karateka or have been training for a while, here is an advanced gedan barai tutorial where we cover how to use the legs, body and hips.

Soto Ude Uke

The fifth and final karate technique we practice in this first karate class is soto ude uke (outside forearm block). 

Here is a basic but more detailed tutorial for soto ude uke. Like the other basic blocks, there are different ways to practice soto uke and we have a video that covers three different ways to practice outside forearm block.

I hope you enjoy this first karate class and please look out for more in our follow along karate class series and check out our karate app at the bottom of this page.

Oss!