White Belt — Foundations of Karate — Karate — Hobika

Learn the basic stances, bowing etiquette, and the concept of kihon (basic technique).

## White Belt — Foundations of Karate

The white belt symbolises a beginner's pure, empty mind — ready to absorb knowledge.

### Dojo Etiquette
- Always bow (rei) when entering and leaving the dojo.
- Address your instructor as Sensei.
- Keep your gi clean and nails trimmed.

### Basic Stances (Tachi-waza)
- Heisoku-dachi — feet together, natural standing position.
- Musubi-dachi — heels together, toes at 45°; used for bowing.
- Zanshin-dachi — front-facing ready stance.
- Zenkutsu-dachi — front stance: 60% weight forward, back leg straight.

### First Punches
- Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch): rotate the hip as your rear hand drives forward. The non-punching hand pulls sharply to the hip (hikite).
- Choku-zuki (straight punch): both hands drive forward simultaneously from the chamber.

### First Blocks
- Gedan-barai — low block, deflects attacks to the groin/thigh.
- Age-uke — rising block, covers the head.

### Practice
Repeat each punch 20 times slowly, focusing on hip rotation. Then 20 times at medium speed. Finish with 10 fast reps. Quality over quantity.