Contraction and Expansion in Shotokan Karate

 The art of Karate is built on precise movements, controlled power, and fluid transitions.

One of the most important concepts behind its techniques is the balance of contraction and expansion. While these two terms might seem straightforward, there’s actually a lot of nuance in how they apply to Karate, especially when it comes to generating power and controlling energy during a strike or block.

In Karate, there are two distinct types of contraction. One happens before a strike, preparing the body to release force, much like a snake coiling before it strikes. The other occurs at the moment a technique finishes, which is referred to as Kime. Understanding the difference between these two forms of contraction and how they work alongside expansion is critical to mastering the art.

At its core, contraction in Karate refers to the tightening of muscles. But there’s a key distinction between the pre-strike contraction (which stores energy) and Kime (which delivers focused power at the moment of impact). Both serve different purposes:

Before a strike, the body contracts slightly to store potential energy. This is when muscles slightly tense, preparing to release the strike with speed and power—just like a spring winding up or a snake coiling before it strikes.

Kime happens at the end of a technique, where the muscles tighten briefly to lock in the energy of the strike or block, making sure it lands with maximum force and precision.

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Shotokan Karate Kicking Exercise Mae Geri, Yoko Geri and Mawashi Geri

 

This clip is taken from one of our live classes. Sensei Amos worked on a really good shotokan kicking exercise.

Shotokan Karate Kicking Exercise Starting From A Left Leg Fighting Stance.

1. Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick mae geri (front kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
2. Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick mae geri (front kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.
3. Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
4. Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.
5. Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick mawashi geri (round house kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
6. Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick mawashi geri (round house kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.

Sensei Amos was encouraging everyone to use the hips to step back and then again to kick, ultimately resulting in one fluid movement. Sensei worked on a lot of detail, including correct foot positions for the kicks, the use of the hips when kicking, how to use the arms correctly whilst kicking, correct posture when kicking and much more.

 

Shotokan Kumite Simultaneous Block Strike Exercise

 

Here is a really good combination, working on speed striking and simultaneous block counters.

With a fast strike immediately after the block and a take down on the fourth combination. The attacker punches with a left kizami zuki (jab punch), the defender blocks and strikes simultaneously, soto uke (outsideblock) and gyaku zuki (reverse punch). The blocking hand can be closed or open. As soon as the reverse punch lands, immediately use the blocking arm to Strike uraken uchi (back fist strike) to the side of the neck or jaw. The second combination has the same attack kizami zuki (jab punch), followed by the same defence outside forearm block reverse punch. This time the blocking arm immediately strikes tettsui (bottom fist), read more