THE ANNALS OF “DUNAREA DE JOS” UNIVERSITY OF GALATI

FASCICLE XV ISSN – 1454 – 9832 - 2008

BIOMECHANICS OF KARATE TECHNIQUES

GABRIELA CIUBUCCIU-IONETE, ELENA MEREUTA

“Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Romania

Abstract:
The biomechanical qualitative analysis of techniques of karate for distance
fight will provide different result from both qualitative and utility. As the
basic techniques run in the first phase, when there is no opponent, it is
possible to perform a qualitative analysis of biomechanics, to improve and
refine technical motions and gestures, to render them more efficient. As
always, this initial facility will be paid later, when we have to analyze the
free combat competition with the opponent and when the biomechanics of
karate analysis will be more complex.

Key-words: biomechanics, karate techniques, qualitative analysis

1. Classification of karate techniques from
biomechanical point of view
The techniques of karate are classified
according to the kinetic chains that are running,
while the purpose (attack/defense) will
influence the choice of the preferential location
angles:
a. Medium distance: superior kinetic
chains (fists and all arms
techniques)
b. Long distance: inferior kinetic
chains (all the leg techniques).
According to this classification, it is
always possible to identify the fundamental
techniques, location plans and the angles of
application.
a) Medium attack distance:
The basic function of the superior
kinetic chain consists of acting at medium
distance, using “fist” (Tsuki) or “strike” (Uchi).
For these techniques biomechanics have to
identify the components of the kinetic chain and
the involvement of muscles involved.
Obviously, the area that the arm can cover is
related to the theoretically infinite possibilities
of arm orientations.
b) Medium and short defense distance
Referring to the superior kinetic chain,
blocks are at medium and short distance, the
structure covers a volume of space given by the
length of the arm or the whole kinetic chain
(arm-forearm-hand). The time taken to
implement these techniques is quick in practice,
but to make them effective should avoid the
direct contrast preferring to deflect the impact
forces in order to avoid unnecessary damage.
c) Long attack distance
The inferior kinetic chain is stronger
than the superior one (a ratio of three),
therefore the karate techniques are much more
dangerous, also allow you to manage the combat
from a maximum distance allowed useful. Even
in the case of football the theoretical direction
of the attack can be infinite, but in reality, it
will be limited from the coxo-femoral joint
which will provide an optimal offensive
capacity. Even in football there is a
classification of location plans and then
preferred directions for the attack.
Fixed hip: Forward /Back direction
(plan of vertical location)
Lateral direction-
Left/Right (plan of
oblique location
ascending/descending)
Mobile hip: Circular direction (plan
of horizontal location)
2. Biomechanical analysis of simple karate
techniques
(Kizami Tsuki, Mawashi Geri, Gyaku Tsuki,
Ura Mawashi, Geri Ashi Barai)
2.1 Kizami Tsuki (gap punch)
To perform the analysis of technical
gesture would be multi-stages decay as
fundamental technical karate indicates: loading,
movement trajectory, impact. Run the study in a
static position (stationary), so can improve the
technique in simple biomechanical conditions.
These improvements will also notice being Free
Kumite.
Knowledge of biomechanics serves to
avoid common mistakes in that reported by
tradition. Taking into consideration the Kizami
Tsuki (fig.2), it is made with the arm which
corresponds to the advanced leg while
maintaining raised the heel of the foot
backward. The basic position (fundamental) is
totally different, run in Zenkutsu Dachi (front
stance) with the heel of the foot backlog
supported on the ground. Based on the analysis

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 THE ANNALS OF “DUNAREA DE JOS” UNIVERSITY OF GALATI
FASCICLE XV ISSN – 1454 – 9832 - 2008
of that technique, performed in the first instance
we can see that the exploitation of mechanical
push forward is much more effective. By
analyzing the dynamics of the movement would
be produced three stages: loading, movement
trajectory (push), impact.
Loading: This phase in the action of
attack is completely absent (from which derives
Kizami Tsuki) as the kinetic chain upper arm
Fig.1 Kamae (Fight stance)
In this case we must analyze both the
kinetic chain superior and inferior, because the
result of Kizami Tsuki is linked by usage of
drag-leg in the moment which raises the knee to
push that back leg as was mentioned have the
heel of the foot raised to make the push. In
essence we would have: relaxation of the arm,
dragging the front leg, hip rotation joints and
push the back leg. Everything will take place
simultaneously and then conclude with a contra-
rotation hips that will allow the quick
withdrawal of the arm in the initial position. So
there is a link between on the superior kinetic
chain and inferior kinetic chain. From
experience of athletes was found that this
technique seems simple, but analyzed from a
biomechanical point of view result that was
quite complex for the final result.
Impact: Reminding that the impact is
considered virtual (for the control of technique
in sport karate), in any case as higher will be
the speed as greater will be the kinetic energy
Fig.3 Mawashi Geri
Loading: Initially this technique
provides the distribution of weight ranging from
50% to 100% on the leg support, at this stage
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advanced spreads instantaneously, without the
notice of loading.
Movement trajectory (Push): The action
moves the left leg (in the case of Hidari Kamae-
fight stance with leg left in front), when starting
is accompanied by rotational joints, while the
left knee pops up allowing making a real lunge
(fig.1).
Fig.2 Kizami Tsuki
transferred to opponent. Also, the Seiken (front
of the fist) has its effectiveness if led by the
middle of backbone (towards the middle finger)
and not with the carrier internal or external
(index, ring or little finger), to safeguard any
trauma or fractures. The kinetic energy
transferred through the middle of backbones
because of the movement of screwing arm is
translated into pressure of about 400-500
Kg/cm2, this is reflected on the danger of
this technique both who punches and who
receives, and the consequences must be
prepared opportunely.
2.2. Mawashi Geri (circular kick)
An analysis of this technique leg can be
decayed in three fundamental stages similar to
Kizami Tsuki (loading, movement trajectory,
impact). The Mawashi Geri (fig.3) is a
technique that can be done with both legs
advanced or backward.
Fig.4 Gyaku Tsuki
the body will try to compensate the lifting of
the knee with the bend in the opposite direction.
Turning from bipolar support (two feet) to
 THE ANNALS OF “DUNAREA DE JOS” UNIVERSITY OF GALATI
FASCICLE XV ISSN – 1454 – 9832 - 2008
univocal (one foot) when the only point of
support of the trunk on the leg is the hip witch
rotates around femur axis conditioning the
effectiveness ok kick.
The loading can be executed in two
distinct ways:
a. Abduction of leg on the transversal
plane with the gaiter bended on
thigh and heel near the buttock;
b. Deflection thigh on the pelvis,
opening it, extra-rotation of foot
support.
Movement trajectory: in static conditions
or in solitary training ,movement trajectory
refer to the development of kinetic chain is
those to pick up the leg on transversal plane
and then define the target (geodan-up, chudan-
middle, gedan-down levels) in the second phase
of the technique (with the stretching of leg).
Notice that the main function of the technique is
that concerns superior limb and the then femur
together with strips of muscle concerned (small
buttock, medium buttock, tensor fasciae latae,
obturator internus, piriformis).
Impact: In Mawashi Geri, the impact
will be with the point of foot called 'neck of the
foot' (Haisoku) exactly between the 1st and 2nd
metatarsal of the foot with fingers in extension,
the foot will have great speed so that is
convertible into maximum kinetic energy. The
power derives from the combined attack of hip
femur as well as the support gaiter that at the
moment of impact tend to relax (because of
momentum), then needed to keep it slightly
inflected and finally maintain loads of the
muscles for greater stability and prevent
damage to the ligaments of the knee. Also the
condition of slight decline of this articulation,
will allow the knee and ankle an axial rotation
that will absorb the countercharge of the impact
(if this were true), or control of technique in
sport Kumite.
Fig.5 Ura Mawashi
Loading: it always comes with the
decline of thigh on the pelvis. The muscles
involved in this action are mainly the tensor of
fasciae latae, iliacus, adductor, and femoral
quadriceps (front right). At this point is decided
to perform one of three types of kicks above.
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2.3. Gyaku Tsuki (reverse punch)
It is a winning technique if is executed
with the right distance and time. Suppose the
event of an attack of Kizami Tsuki, executed by
Uke (defense athlete). For a moment, he
completely loses the attitude of the body
opening the guard when his arm is extended.
Tori ( attacker athlete) remain in its proper
attitude defensive offering to opponent a
minimum useful surface of the target and, by
lowering the center of gravity , makes a kind of
block (Nagashi Uke), extends the position (Yori
Ashi) and at the same time rotate the pelvis on
transversal , stretching the arm backward and
perform Gyaku Tsuki (fig.4).
Analyzed in sequence and in solitary,
this technique will be developed in the
following order: From left guard (Hidari
Kamae), lower center of gravity - moving the
front leg forward slightly diagonal left -
launching arm (punch), right guard taking care
to keep the elbow close flank - left arm will be
positioned to protect the face - right fist hits –
the result: Gyaku Tsuki. Running the technique
in this way will certainly have a space for
action gaining increased ten to twenty
centimeters elongation compared to Gyaku
Tsuki made in the traditional way. The return
after perform this technique will certainly be on
the side where the opponent cannot make any
immediate action.
2.4. Ura Mawashi Geri (circular reverse kick)
In this situation the athletes a long
distance between. Ura Mawashi (fig.5) is a very
complex technical and capable of being
developed in several ways (fake - direction
changes - changes leg etc.). Initially, the
technique is expressed identical like both Mae
Geri (front kick) and Mawashi Geri (circular
kick).
Fig.6 Ashi Barai
Continuing with the analysis of Ura Mawashi
Geri ,it perform with opening of the pelvis, the
extra-rotation of support leg and launching
tight towards the direction of target towards the
target slightly exiting back into the sagittal
trajectory and then get to the point of impact.
 THE ANNALS OF “DUNAREA DE JOS” UNIVERSITY OF GALATI
FASCICLE XV ISSN – 1454 – 9832 - 2008
Movement trajectory: take for example
that of Mawashi Geri with the variant that will
not affect Haisoku area (‘neck of the foot’) but
below the toes (Koshi). As mentioned earlier
the importance of technique is given by the
speed of the same loading. The muscles
involved in extension of gaiter are identified in
the opening push hip, in the femoral quadriceps,
continuing with the contraction of buttock,
femoral biceps, semimembranous,
semitendinous, sartorius, gastrocneumus to
finish with anterior tibialis, flexors of the
fingers, long and short peroneus, soleus, etc.
2.5. Ashi Barai (swept behind the leg)
In karate, opposite Judo and other
disciplines, the Ashi Barai (fig.6) is done
without the use of arms, because is the
imaginable easily. In karate the couple of
athletes is at long distance and in the second of
movement is in unstable equilibrium. It's
important for those who perform the technique
to apply the concept of feint and divert attention
of opponent so that it can precede the technique
without possibility of reaction, but it is equally
important to make it with a perfect choice of
time. For example, to feint Gyaku Tsuki
Geodan, Uke moves back and raises his arms in
defense, Tori shortens the distance and perform
Ashi Barai when Uke remains slightly
unbalanced back, then close the action with
classic Gyaku Tsuki when the opponent is land.
Indeed, in Karate the only projection is not
counted, it is essential to complete the action
with a technique.
3. Conclusions
3.1 .Movements trajectory
Initially the analysis is focused on
movement as biomechanics mean, which has the
purpose to vary the distance between the
athletes. All movements are classified into two
groups: straight and rotation.
In combat are complex combinations of
basic movements so during moment of special
movement is necessary a very careful control of
the equilibrium dynamic adjusting the
percentage of the weight burden on hind leg or
foreleg. In this way is possible to perform fast
and sudden changes of direction during the
execution of the technique. In the Karate
competitions has been an evolution in favor of
moving in line (forward-back) pursuing some
fundamental objectives: to fool the opponent
defense opponent, put in a position of 'safety'
after the attack, or in optimal condition for
counterattack. Another important factor to
optimize the best movement time is make
rotations and shifts in speed so effective thus
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the center of gravity of the body to move along
the transversal parallel plane to the floor. This
biomechanical feature will get the highest
possible speed of movement. From this follows
that quick attacks and withdraws as fast must be
brought by straight trajectories, though with
different angles, the straight lines as the
shortest way and then faster to go between two
points.
3.2. Usable attack target
The first important biomechanical
concept to fix is what is called 'cross sections'
which in our case is the area of useful attack
target. Considering the body of athlete, the
target of a technique is the plan found on the
larger strike surface. The maximum usable
attack surface is the front than the rear of the
body in frontal location. The correct guard
position is the one which minimize the area of
attack. At this point it is appropriate to locate
the hips and bust a 45 degree angle to the
opponent position, so keep the arms in an
optimal angle will gave more control of the
defense area.
3.3. Defense penetration
Is necessary to identify the defensive
methods, in essence, means that basic
biomechanical mechanisms that are used to
prevent contacts of strikes, are essentially:
block and shifting. The first is designed to
block or divert the technique of attack, the
second, who is certainly preferable is basically
aim to bring the body out of the attack direction
that the opponent intend to perform his
technique. In this case, the essential
components are as stated above: the rotation or
straight translation.
3.4. Overcoming defense
To overcome the defense of opponent
have used those methods which biomechanical
terms tend to cancel the distance between the
athletes hoping defensive means, identifying the
so-called dead corners where you can exploit
the speed of the blow that penetrate the defense,
through combinations, fake or use neutral
trajectory with the aim of misleading the ability
opponent reactive.
References
1. Kanazawa ,H., Kumite Kyohan, Shotokan
Karate International, 1985
2. Ingber Lester, Karate Kinematics and
Dynamics, Unique Publications, 1981.
3. Stull, R.A. & Barham, J.N., An analysis of
movement patterns utilized by different
karate styles in the karate reverse punch in
front stance, Biomechanics in Sports VI,1988
4. Wilk, S.R, McNair ,R.E. & Feld, M.S. , The
physics of Karate, American Journal of
Physics, 1983
 THE ANNALS OF “DUNAREA DE JOS” UNIVERSITY OF GALATI
FASCICLE XV ISSN – 1454 – 9832 - 2008
BIOMÉCANIQUE DES TECHNIQUES DE
KARATÉ
Résumé :
L'analyse qualitative biomécanique des
techniques du karaté pour le combat de distance
fournira le résultat différent de qualitatif et de
service. Car les techniques de base fonctionnent
dans la première phase, quand il n'y a aucun
adversaire, il est possible d'exécuter une
analyse qualitative de la biomécanique,
d'améliorer et raffiner des mouvements et des
gestes techniques, pour les rendre plus
efficaces. En tant que toujours, ce premier
service sera payé plus tard, quand nous devons
analyser la concurrence libre de combat avec
l'adversaire et quand la biomécanique de
l'analyse de karaté sera plus complexe.
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Mots-clés : biomécanique, techniques de karaté,
analyse qualitative
BIOMECANICA TEHNICILOR DE
KARATE
Rezumat:
Analiza biomecanica calitativa a tehnicilor
utilizate in karate pentru lupta la distanta,
furnizeaza rezultate diferite din punct de vedere
calitativ si al utilitatii. Scopul analizei
calitative este acela de a imbunatati miscarile
si loviturile de karate pentru o eficienta sporita.
Analiza calitativa din punct de vedere
biomecanic este mai usoara pentru lupta fara
adversar, dar se complica foarte mult atunci
cand se analizeaza tehnicile de lupta cu
adversar.
Cuvinte cheie: biomecanica, tehnici de karate,
analiza calitativa