Kata Kihon Waza (Foundational Technique) of Okinwan Karate

Kata Kihon Waza, (Foundational), Karate, Technique, are the movements found within a traditional form (kata) that is designed to be practiced as a solo exercise. The individual movements are comprised of a string of foundation movements (kihon waza). The movements however were labeled when they were introduced to the prefecture school system for mass instruction. However, these misleading terms create a mental block as tot he true nature of their combative applicability. The individual movement in kata (forms) is practiced in isolation from the forms to develop the correct performance and power development of the movement. A basic explaination of the applicatiion of the movement external of kata is provided for the student to gain the conceptual understanidng of the technique. The names of the kihon waza are not only irrevelant but misleading as to the actual use in combative application. The Japanese term "Uke" means to receive and not block. Similarly, the term "Barrai" means sweep, not block. These misinterpreted meanings lead the practitioner to precieve an application not neccessisarily accurrate or practicle.