Principles

Kihon Geiko rests not only on which techniques are practiced, but on how they are practiced.

In Masutatsu Oyama's presentation, basic techniques receive systematic, repeated practice. Their value lies not in being able to name them, but in developing technical precision, stability and real function through repetition.

The following principles are therefore central to Kihon Geiko.

1. Repetition

Basic technique must be repeated many times.

The purpose of repetition is not mechanical quantity for its own sake, but gradually removing unnecessary tension, incorrect paths and uncertain structure from the movement. Repetition establishes a reliable technical form.

Oyama's presentation makes clear that basic techniques are practiced regularly and in high volume, not sporadically. Repetition is thus part of the essence of Kihon Geiko, not an addition to it.

2. Correct form before variation

In Kihon Geiko, technique is practiced in its basic form.

Execution should therefore be clear, controlled and structurally correct. The technique's path, striking surface, position and finish should be distinct. Variation and individual adaptation belong to later training phases and must not replace the basic form.

3. Posture and balance

Technique is carried by the whole body.

Strikes, blocks and kicks must not be understood as isolated arm or leg movements. They require a stable base, correct body alignment, effective control of the center of gravity and coordination between upper and lower body.

Balance is therefore part of technical quality, not a separate skill alongside technique.

4. Power transfer

Effective technique relies on coordination.

Power in Kihon Geiko is generated not only in the striking body part, but through interaction between stance, hip, torso, shoulder and striking surface. With correct structure, power is transmitted without leakage.

This means that technique must have the right internal organization, not merely look correct.

5. Hikite and return

The non-striking arm or returning movement is an active part of the technique.

Hikite contributes to body coordination, balance and power development. It is a functional component of basic technique, not a decorative movement.

Similarly, the return of the technique must be controlled. The movement is complete only when the whole technique has been carried through, not merely when the strike or block is extended.

6. Focus and kime

Kihon Geiko requires concentration in both movement and finish.

Technique should be directed with clear intention rather than performed absent-mindedly. At the finish, movement gathers into a precise expression where structure, direction and concentration meet.

Here, kime should be understood as technical gathering, not outward drama.

7. Breathing

Breathing should support the technique.

It must work with the movement rather than alongside it. Correct breathing helps stabilize the body, support rhythm and clarify the technical finish.

In Kihon Geiko, breathing must therefore be trained as an integrated part of technique.

8. Precision before speed

Speed without correct form undermines basic training.

In Kihon Geiko, movement must first be clear, directed and structurally correct. Once the technique has the right form, tempo can increase without losing quality. Conversely, premature speed often entrenches errors.

9. Kiai

Kiai is an important part of Kihon Geiko.

It functions not merely as a shout, but as a unified expression of breathing, focus, power and technical completion. Used correctly, kiai coincides with the culmination of the technique and helps clarify the movement's direction, finish and intensity.

In Kihon Geiko, kiai serves both as a technical marker and as part of the training rhythm. Technique may first be established through a small number of slow or preparatory repetitions without kiai, then performed in the main count with clearer power, rhythm and gathering. In this part, kiai marks that the technique is carried through, not merely performed.

Kiai should therefore be understood as an integrated part of basic technique rather than a separate addition.

10. Commands and counting

In the dojo, Kihon Geiko is practiced as a led training form as well as individual technique.

The instructor's command specifies stance, preparation, technique, tempo and counting. The student's execution occurs within this form. Technique in Kihon Geiko therefore always has a disciplinary dimension: it is performed correctly both in the body and within the order of training.

Counting gives technique rhythm and repetition. The command gives it direction. Kiai gives it gathering.

These elements belong to the principles of Kihon Geiko, not merely its external form.

11. Basic technique as the foundation for further training

Kihon Geiko is not a separate practice field, but the technical foundation that later supports:

• Idō Geiko
• Kata
• Kumite
• Tameshiwari
• self-defense application

This means that shortcomings in Kihon Geiko do not remain there. They carry into every later form of training.