There are three exercises that make up Kara-Zuki. Tai Sabaki, roughly translated means empty punching. Whilst Kara-Zuki Ichi is static, the movements in the other two forms are dynamic and have a rich bunkai. Stance and foot placement are critical to the execution of these exercises
Kara-Zuki Ichi
This exercise is performed in Soto-Hachi-Dachi, commencing with a block and cover technique followed by ten punches.
{diagram}
This exercise can be used for all forms of Zuki including:
- Choku-Zuki
- Tate-Zuki
- Ura-Zuki
- Ren-Zuki
- Sanbon-Zuki
The video demonstrates Kara-Zuki with Chudan and Jodan Choku-Zuki
{Video}
Kara-Zuki Ni
This exercise commences with a block and cover technique as in Kara-Zuki Ichi followed by Uchi-Uki in Zenkutsu-Dachi stepping 90O to the right. The second move is the same technique on the left side starting with Mowate and ending up facing the opposite direction.
{diagram}
This exercise can be used for many different techniques including:
- Tate-Zuki
- Ura-Zuki
- Mawashi-Empi-Uchi
- Age-Empi-Uchi
The video demonstrates Kara-Ni with Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
{Video}
Kara-Zuki San
This exercise commences with a block and cover technique as in Kara-Zuki Ichi followed by Uchi-Uki in left Zenkutsu-Dachi stepping forward. The second move involves turning 180o with Mowate executing the same technique on the right leg and ending up facing the opposite direction. The third move involves turning 90o and executing the same technique on the left leg. Continue this 90/180 process for nine counts.
{diagram}
This exercise can be used for many different techniques including:
- Mawashi-Empi-Uchi
- Age-Empi-Uchi
- Many kata techniques
The video demonstrates Kara-San with Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
{Video}
References
Chidokan Karate-Do Training Manual (1982) – Kyoshi Sensei John Clutterbuck