Concept
Shotokan teaches practitioners self-defense through the practice of "kihon" (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Shotokan is known as a hard martial arts style (rather than soft) because it emphasizes strikes, long stances and sparring techniques. Higher belts also learned some grappling and jiu-jitsu style techniques.
However, karate modernized over the years, causing changes to the style.
See History
Kihon
Kihon means basics and these form the base for everything else in the style including stances, strikes, punches, kicks and blocks.
See more
Kata
Kata are the pre-arranged sets of movements in which the karateka defends against several imaginary attackers. Each movement of a kata represents a self-defense technique against a potential opponent.
See more
Kumite
Kumite means "meeting of hands." In karate, the term is translated as "sparring." Sparring is any form of combat training with a partner.
See more