JKA 
What Is Shotokan Karate?
Shotokan karate is among the four main styles created in Okinawa, Japan. It is a dynamic form of martial arts that highlights long and wide stances, linear tactics, forthright blocking, fast and direct attacks, and other acts.
Instead of establishing unending forms and approaches, it centres more on high-powered attacks, blocks, kicks, and other movements. It also emphasises improving body alignment and concentration, both necessary in actual karate fights.
JKA Shotokan Karate in Brisbane teaches the fundamentals of martial arts and how to develop speed, accuracy, mobility, and versatility.
Shotokan Karate History
The history of Shotokan karate traces back to 1879 when Japan took over Okinawa Islands. People on the island began migrating to Japan’s main islands, including Gichin Funakoshi, a karate master driven to teach and make karate popular.
Before moving to the mainland, he was already developing his karate style. Its main concept is to blend the soft and hard techniques of Okinawan styles and Japanese budo.
In 1936, Funakoshi opened a gym to promote and teach his newly developed style, which he called “Shotokan.” His brand-new method became infamous, and the public began calling it “Shotokan karate.”
What Are the Basic Shotokan Karate Techniques?
It is essential to learn the basics of self-defence classes in Brisbane, like Shotokan karate.
At every belt level, you will learn and enhance your movements to properly hit the targets, execute correct stances, participate in practical applications, etc.
Here are the basic techniques of this particular form of martial arts.
Stances
Attention Stance – The beginning posture wherein the student bows. The vee-stance starts by putting your heels together and toes apart, creating a letter “V” form with your feet and the hands are placed at the sides.
Natural Stance – This is the stance used in preparation for the next moves or static training.
The student stands with slightly bent knees, his feet are placed about shoulder-width apart, and the toes point straight.
Forward Stance – It is the pose utilised when lunging or doing powerful forward strikes and blocks. The stance is nearly wider than a shoulder-width.
The front leg bends the knee at about a 45-degree angle while the back leg is kept straight or barely bent. The student must put 60% of his weight on the front leg and the rest on the back.
Punches (Tsuki)
The basic Shotokan karate punches are simple, but the student should know how to fist to throw powerful punches properly.
To correctly make a fist, you must curl your fingers, ensuring the tip of every finger is clenched tightly to your palms. Place the thumb down across your index and middle fingers.
When throwing punches, position your wrist straight to stretch to maximise the force. And don’t forget to stay relaxed between attacks and tighten your fists up just before striking.
Moreover, the Shotokan karate punches also have a variety, which is as follows:
Straight Punch – It is an essential karate move where you throw a straight punch by marking the opponent with one hand pointed directly to the centre and pulling the extended arm in while pushing the other arm at the same time.
Front Lunge Punch – This strike is called Oi-Zuki and combines the straight punch and front stance.
Reverse Punch – The reverse point is all about using the back arm, which is opposite to the front leg, to throw a punch from a front stance position.
Blocks (Uke)
Inward Block – These inside blocks deflect straight head strikes and attacks since you’ll rotate your left arm inward to the opposite direction and leave your closed fist guarding your face.
Outward Block – It is an efficient method of stopping reverse punches and reducing the blows of roundhouse kicks. For outward blocks, you need to direct your left arm outward to the left and leave your clenched fist turning away from your head.
Upper Block – The movement starts from the guard position, placing the left arm outward to the left, raising it above the head, and placing the clenched fist away from your face to deflect hammer punches and axe kicks.
Lower Block – To protect yourself from mid-body attacks, learning low blocks is key. From the guard position, veer your left arm inward to the right and the lower arm downward to the side of your leg.
Kicks (Geri)
Karate clubs offering excellent classes in karate in Brisbane always help students learn how to correctly throw powerful kicks because inaccurate kicking can lead to injuries.
Front Snap Kick – Also known as Mae-Geri Keage in Japanese, the front snap kick’s ultimate weapon to attack the knee, solar plexus, chin, and other areas of the target is the ball of the foot.
Make sure to maintain a stable posture and slowly raise your kicking knee, exposing the ball of your foot. Lean back a little to extend your leg and place your hands down to maintain balance and improve leg control.
Enrol in JKA Brisbane Now!
Shotokan karate in Brisbane is indeed a good sport. With its rich background, excellent techniques, and amazing benefits, you will learn self-defence, enhance your mental and physical well-being, and boost your confidence.
So, if you are interested in taking Shotokan karate classes and kids’ karate in Brisbane, there’s no need to search for “Shotokan karate near me” online; you can turn to JKA Brisbane. Enrol now!