5 Shotokan Karate Moves

These 5 Shotokan karate moves come from a type of karate that blends several different martial arts techniques. The following Shotokan karate moves are from many that were developed by father and son, Gichin and Gigo Funakoshi, in 1939.

1. Enpi is one of the basic Shotokan karate moves. It means monkey elbow and refers to an impressive elbow strike in karate. This method is ideal for up close battle, and carries with it far more blunt force than the usual fist punch. The whole of the upper body can be utilized in delivering an Enpi strike. It can be thrown upward and forward, or from the side.
2. Hangetsu is also known as Half Moon. It’s one of the more advanced Shotokan karate moves. It begins with strong, slow breathing to awaken the hara, or the energy that rises from the belly. The hara is considered the center point of your spirit energy, as well as your physical center of gravity. All Japanese art forms, whether swordsmanship, or the tea ceremony, is performed from this center. This is followed by a series of fist punches and front kicks. Perfection of the half moon stance is essential to performing this move. This is the movement of the back leg to the center and then forward. 
3. Heian nidan is considered to be the more beginner friendly of the Shotokan karate moves. It’s based on the Pinan empty hand moves. They follow the form of the letter I in an embusen line. The embusen is the spot where the move begins and ultimately ends.
4. Tekki Shodan is one of the Shotokan karate moves that makes use of a linear, side to side movement of the lower torso. It focuses on the use of knees and legs to build up strength in these areas for powerful kicks. It incorporates a low stance, attention to balance, and fast footwork with the occasional pivoting of the upper body. It's considered an ideal form for battling in confined spaces
5. Gankaku is a more advanced Shotokan karate move. It’s translated as crane on a rock, and incorporates strikes of different heights as well as a wide range of stances. This Shotakan embusen was modified to a more linear flow like many other Shotokan moves. It incorporates a one foot pivot and is considered useful for battling on uneven terrain.