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A karate class usually consists of kihon, kumite and kata.
Kihon translates as basics or fundamentals and in karate classes across the world, refers to the practice of the basic karate techniques.
So a typical karate class would start of with basic punches, strikes, blocks and kicks. Normally starting of with single techniques, then progressing to combinations. Working through the shotokan belt system, the kihon starts with single techniques, like oizuki (stepping punch), then after a few belts, the kihon progresses to combinations like sanbonzuki (three punches), then at brown belt, the kihon enters the semi freestyle range, where techniques are snapped back, instead of held out.
Kumite means sparring and is usually practiced after the kihon section. This is the part of karate in which you partner up with other karateka in the dojo and test the techniques learned from the kihon (basics) and kata (Forms). The first set sparring sequence practiced in shotokan is either, sanbon (three step), or gohon (five step) kumite, moving onto kihon ippon kumite (basic one step sparring), then jui ippon kumite (semi free sparring) and finally jui kumite (free sparring). There are also many other kumite training exercises, that build upon the exercises mentioned above.
Kata means form and is mainly practiced after the kumite (sparring). There are many karate kata, ranging from the very basic Kihon kata (taikyoku shodan) and heian shodan, right up to the most advanced black belt kata, like Unsu. Usually one kata is practiced for each new belt test, then when black belt is taken, the karateka is expected to perform all the kata under black belt, to a high level.
Kata is a set sequence of karate moves, including kicks, punches, strikes, jumps, spins, etc. These karate kata all have different timing and feeling, some kata are slow and strong, like Hangetsu, others are fast and technical, like unsu.
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Source by Linden John
