These are the basics from the Nagle lineage of Isshinryu Karate. The basics are the building blocks of Isshinryu. From these building blocks come the basic blocks, grabs, punches, kicks, and strikes of Isshinryu. They teach proper form, stance, balance, breathing, and focus that is used through-out karate. Generally done after warm-ups, basics are perhaps the most important p. Upper Body Basics


There are eleven upper body basics. These basics are described for the right side. To perform the basics on the left side reverse your techniques.

1. Reverse Punch: Step forward with the left foot, punch with the right hand to the solar plexus.
2. Grab Uppercut: Step forward with the left foot, grab with the left hand. Uppercut with the right hand directed towards the chin.
3. Middle Block Backfist: Step forward with the left foot, middle block with the left hand. Backfist with the right hand.
4. Low Block Five Punches: Step forward with the left foot, low block with the left hand. Throw five punches to the solar plexus starting with the right hand. Using the timing of 1-2-1-2-1
5. Middle Block Five Punches: Step forward with the left foot, middle block with the left hand. Throw five punches to the solar plexus starting with the right hand. Using the timing of 1-2-1-2-1
6. Round Punches: Step forward with the left foot, bring the right hand back to your side, throw one round punch with the right hand followed with another round punch with the left hand.
7. Inner Outer Knife Hands: Step forward with the left foot and shuto to the solar plexus with the left hand. Raise the right hand to ear level with the palm up and shuto to the neck.
8. Elbow to the Rear: Step back with the right foot and bring both hands up to waist level. The left arm is above the right making a "+" shape with both palms up. The right elbow strikes to the rear and the left hand rotates out striking to the solar plexus, palm facing down.
9. Speed Combination: Step forward with the left foot place the left hand out in a forward punch. Punch down, across the groin with the right hand followed by two punches to the solar plexus. These punches are done as fast as possible, with good form.
10. High Block Full Snap Punch: Step forward with the left foot high block with the left hand. Step forward with the right foot, punch with the right hand as the punch is delivered the left hand comes back to the hip. This punch is to be returned to the hip as fast as possible.
11. Grab Spear Hand: Step forward with the left foot, grab with the left hand. Pull in with the left hand and spear hand with the right hand striking with the tips of the fingers.

    

Lower Body Basics

There are five lower body basics. All of the lower body basics start with the kicking foot to the rear except #5. The right side has the right foot to the rear.

1. Front Snap Kick: Bring the right leg up so the knee is at groin level. The right left is snapped out and back with the toes curled back, striking with the ball of the foot. The leg is never fully extended. The kick is brought back to the chamber as fast as possible.
2. Side Snap Kick: This kick is performed the same as the kick above, but the hips are pivoted to the right side. The attacker is approaching from the right side.
3. Side Push Kick: The knee is brought up to the side with the leg tucked under. The leg is snapped to the side at knee level and strikes with the side of the foot.
4. Knee Kick: The foot is brought up to the front at knee level, pointing on a 45 degree angle. The kick is directed to the opponent's knee and strikes with the side of the foot.
5. Squat Kick: Feet are on-line to start. Step out with the left foot on a 45 degree angle in a forward direction. Bring both hands to the left hip moving forward. The kick is then delivered at groin level with the ball of the foot as the striking surface. Return to the on-line position after the kick is delivered.