Learn Karate at Home

Karate is a Japanese martial art that can be practiced in any space with a level floor and a large enough area for the karateka (karate student) to step forward and extend his arms and legs. Because karate is mostly a "stand-up" style, as opposed to a grappling style, a floor mat is not required. Although training with a partner is beneficial and fun, you can learn and sharpen many basic karate techniques by yourself at home.

  1. Basic Punch

    • The basic karate punch is delivered from the waist. Step out with your left foot into a boxing stance and slightly bend both knees. Pull your right hand back to your waist, turning your palm upward, and hold your left arm loosely in front of your body. Twist your hip as you extend your right arm to punch and crank your palm downward as you strike. Pull your left hand back in the same motion. Snap the punch and pull it back to your waist. Your hands should be synched together, with one pulling back while the other extends.

    Kicks

    • To perform the basic front kick, step into your boxing stance, pick up your leg with your knee bent and extend the lower part of your leg toward your target. Flex your foot to strike with the ball. Do not strike with your toes---you will regret it. To perform the basic roundhouse kick, turn your body sideways toward your target. Bend your knee and raise your leg so that it is parallel with the floor. Kick by snapping the knee, sending the leg out sideways. Point your foot to strike with your instep.

    Blocks

    • Basic karate blocks protect the three main levels: face, midsection and groin. To perform the high block, bend your front arm inward, move it upward under your chin until it rises over your head. Use your forearm to block the strike. Be careful not to cover your eyes with your own arm. To perform the middle block, hold your front arm vertically with you palm inward and slide it back and forth across your body to deflect strikes to the solar plexus. To perform the down block, direct your front arm from your back shoulder down to your front knee. This blocks strikes to the groin, stomach and ribs.

    Combinations

    • Imagination is key to getting a good karate workout at home. Envision yourself squaring off against an opponent, then develop combinations that might be usable in an actual sparring match. Block your opponent's strike and then counterattack with a kick or punch. Put kicks and punches together, striking at different levels. Blocking and striking in combinations enhances your technique and also creates a healthy and fun cardio workout.