Discover a wide array of Karate Moves Names with names in English and Japanese (Kanji/Kana).
Karate is a dynamic martial art that combines precision, strength, and discipline. Karate moves names, including punches, kicks, blocks, stances, and kata, while incorporating essential terminology like karate block names, belt names, and more.
With its roots deeply embedded in Japan, karate is practiced worldwide, offering a blend of physical fitness and mental focus.
Karate Moves Names in Japanese
Punches, or zuki, are fundamental to karate. They encompass offensive and defensive techniques and are classified into basic, advanced, and specialized punches.
Here are list of Karate Moves
Karate Strikes (Atemi Waza – 当て身技)
- Oi Zuki (追い突き) – Lunge Punch
- Gyaku Zuki (逆突き) – Reverse Punch
- Kizami Zuki (刻み突き) – Jab Punch
- Age Zuki (上げ突き) – Rising Punch
- Morote Zuki (双手突き) – Two-Handed Punch
- Uraken Uchi (裏拳打ち) – Backfist Strike
- Tate Zuki (縦突き) – Vertical Punch
- Shuto Uchi (手刀打ち) – Knife-Hand Strike
- Nukite (貫手) – Spear-Hand Strike
Karate Kicks (Keri Waza – 蹴り技)
- Mae Geri (前蹴り) – Front Kick
- Yoko Geri (横蹴り) – Side Kick
- Mawashi Geri (回し蹴り) – Roundhouse Kick
- Ushiro Geri (後ろ蹴り) – Back Kick
- Tobi Geri (飛び蹴り) – Jumping Kick
- Kakato Geri (踵蹴り) – Axe Kick
- Hiza Geri (膝蹴り) – Knee Strike
- Ura Mawashi Geri (裏回し蹴り) – Hook Kick
- Fumikomi Geri (踏み込み蹴り) – Stomping Kick
Karate Blocks (Uke Waza – 受け技)
- Age Uke (上げ受け) – Rising Block
- Gedan Barai (下段払い) – Downward Block
- Soto Uke (外受け) – Outside Block
- Uchi Uke (内受け) – Inside Block
- Shuto Uke (手刀受け) – Knife-Hand Block
- Juji Uke (十字受け) – Cross Block
- Morote Uke (諸手受け) – Augmented Block
Karate Stances (Tachi Waza – 立ち技)
- Zenkutsu Dachi (前屈立ち) – Front Stance
- Kokutsu Dachi (後屈立ち) – Back Stance
- Kiba Dachi (騎馬立ち) – Horse Stance
- Sanchin Dachi (三戦立ち) – Hourglass Stance
- Shiko Dachi (四股立ち) – Straddle Stance
- Hachiji Dachi (八字立ち) – Natural Stance
- Fudo Dachi (不動立ち) – Immovable Stance
Advanced Techniques (Gijutsu Waza – 技術技)
- Ura Zuki (裏突き) – Uppercut Punch
- Mikazuki Geri (三日月蹴り) – Crescent Kick
- Ashibarai (足払い) – Foot Sweep
- Empi Uchi (猿臂打ち) – Elbow Strike
- Kaiten Geri (回転蹴り) – Spinning Kick
- Tate Shuto (縦手刀) – Vertical Knife-Hand Strike
Combination Techniques (Renraku Waza – 連絡技)
- Sanbon Zuki (三本突き) – Three-Step Punch Combination
- Mae Geri – Gyaku Zuki – Front Kick followed by Reverse Punch
- Mawashi Geri – Uraken Uchi – Roundhouse Kick with a Backfist
Karate Basic Moves Names
Here are some basic karate moves along with their names
Basic Stances (Tachikata)
- Zenkutsu-dachi – Front stance
- Kiba-dachi – Horse stance
- Kokutsu-dachi – Back stance
- Heisoku-dachi – Feet together stance
- Musubi-dachi – Attention stance
Basic Strikes (Tsuki-waza)
- Oi-zuki – Lunge punch
- Gyaku-zuki – Reverse punch
- Kizami-zuki – Jab punch
- Uraken – Backfist strike
- Tate-zuki – Vertical punch
Basic Blocks (Uke-waza)
- Age-uke – Rising block
- Soto-uke – Outside block
- Uchi-uke – Inside block
- Gedan-barai – Downward block
- Shuto-uke – Knife-hand block
Basic Kicks (Geri-waza)
- Fumikomi-geri – Stomping kickKarate Basic Moves Names
- Mae-geri – Front kick
- Yoko-geri – Side kick
- Mawashi-geri – Roundhouse kick
- Ushiro-geri – Back kick
Karate Belts: Names and Significance
The karate belt system represents a practitioner’s progression.
- White Belt (Shiro Obi) – Beginner level, starting point.
- Yellow Belt (Kiro Obi) – Indicates foundational competence.
- Black Belt (Kuro Obi) – The pinnacle of mastery.
Each rank includes specialized katas, such as black belt kata names like Bassai Dai and Empi, which emphasize precision and power.
Shotokan Karate Moves Names (With English Translations)
Shotokan emphasizes speed, precision, and traditional techniques.
Punches (Zuki)
- Oi Zuki – Lunge Punch
- Gyaku Zuki – Reverse Punch
- Kizami Zuki – Jab Punch
- Age Zuki – Rising Punch
- Morote Zuki – Double-Hand Punch
Kicks (Keri)
- Mae Geri – Front Kick
- Yoko Geri Keage – Side Snap Kick
- Yoko Geri Kekomi – Side Thrust Kick
- Mawashi Geri – Roundhouse Kick
- Ushiro Geri – Back Kick
Blocks (Uke)
- Gedan Barai – Downward Block
- Age Uke – Rising Block
- Soto Uke – Outside Block
- Uchi Uke – Inside Block
- Shuto Uke – Knife-Hand Block
Stances (Dachi)
- Zenkutsu Dachi – Front Stance
- Kokutsu Dachi – Back Stance
- Kiba Dachi – Horse Stance
- Fudo Dachi – Immovable Stance
Karate White Belt Moves Names
As a white belt in karate, you will learn the most fundamental moves, including stances, punches, blocks, and kicks. Here are the basic moves with their Japanese names:
1. Basic Stances (Tachikata – 立ち方)
- Musubi-dachi (結び立ち) – Attention stance
- Heisoku-dachi (閉足立ち) – Feet together stance
- Zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち) – Front stance
- Kiba-dachi (騎馬立ち) – Horse stance
- Kokutsu-dachi (後屈立ち) – Back stance
2. Basic Punches & Strikes (Tsuki-waza & Uchi-waza – 突き技 & 打ち技)
- Oi-zuki (追い突き) – Lunge punch
- Gyaku-zuki (逆突き) – Reverse punch
- Kizami-zuki (刻み突き) – Jab punch
- Uraken (裏拳) – Backfist strike
3. Basic Blocks (Uke-waza – 受け技)
- Age-uke (上げ受け) – Rising block
- Soto-uke (外受け) – Outside block
- Uchi-uke (内受け) – Inside block
- Gedan-barai (下段払い) – Downward block
4. Basic Kicks (Geri-waza – 蹴り技)
- Mae-geri (前蹴り) – Front kick
- Yoko-geri (横蹴り) – Side kick
- Mawashi-geri (回し蹴り) – Roundhouse kick
Kyokushin Karate Moves Names (With English Translations)
Kyokushin emphasizes full-contact sparring and practical power.
Punches (Tsuki)
- Seiken Tsuki – Straight Punch
- Uraken – Backfist Strike
- Shita Tsuki – Uppercut Punch
- Morote Tsuki – Double Punch
- Tate Tsuki – Vertical Punch
Kicks (Keri Waza)
- Mae Geri – Front Kick
- Mawashi Geri – Roundhouse Kick
- Yoko Geri – Side Kick
- Hiza Geri – Knee Strike
- Ura Mawashi Geri – Hook Kick
- Kakato Geri – Axe Kick
Blocks (Uke)
- Jodan Uke – High Block
- Chudan Soto Uke – Middle Outside Block
- Gedan Barai – Low Block
- Kake Uke – Hooking Block
Stances (Tachi)
- Sanchin Dachi – Hourglass Stance
- Zenkutsu Dachi – Forward Stance
- Kokutsu Dachi – Back Stance
- Kiba Dachi – Horse Stance
- Shiko Dachi – Straddle Stance
General Karate Moves Names in English
Punches
- Straight Punch
- Reverse Punch
- Jab Punch
- Backfist Strike
- Uppercut Punch
Kicks
- Front Kick
- Side Kick
- Roundhouse Kick
- Back Kick
- Axe Kick
- Knee Strike
Blocks
- High Block
- Middle Block
- Low Block
- Knife-Hand Block
- Outside Block
Stances
- Front Stance
- Back Stance
- Horse Stance
- Natural Stance
- Straddle Stance
Karate in Different Languages
Language | Translation/Adaptation | Pronunciation/Notes |
---|---|---|
Japanese | 空手 (Karate) | Kah-rah-teh (Literal: “Empty Hand”) |
English | Karate | The Japanese term is directly adopted and widely used. |
French | Karaté | Kah-rah-tay (Accented “e” in French pronunciation) |
Spanish | Karate | Kah-rah-teh (Directly borrowed from Japanese) |
Italian | Karate | Kah-rah-teh (Same as original Japanese) |
German | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Portuguese | Caratê | Kah-rah-teh (Brazilian Portuguese often adds an accent) |
Russian | Карате (Karate) | Kah-rah-teh (Spelled phonetically in Cyrillic) |
Chinese (Mandarin) | 空手道 (Kōng Shǒu Dào) | Kohng Show Dao (Literal: “The Way of the Empty Hand”) |
Korean | 가라테 (Garate) | Ga-ra-teh (Direct borrowing of the Japanese term) |
Arabic | كاراتيه (Karateh) | Ka-ra-tee |
Turkish | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Hindi | कराटे (Karate) | Ka-raa-te |
Thai | คาราเต้ (Karate) | Kah-ra-te |
Vietnamese | Karate | Ka-rah-teh (Direct borrowing) |
Polish | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Dutch | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Swedish | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Greek | Καράτε (Karate) | Ka-rah-teh |
Hebrew | קראטה (Karate) | Ka-ra-te |
Zulu | IKarate | Ee-kah-rah-teh (Uses an added prefix for nouns) |
Finnish | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Czech | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Hungarian | Karate | Kah-rah-teh |
Funny Karate Move Names
Here are some funny and creative karate move names—perfect for adding a little humor to your training! 😂🥋
1. Hilarious Punches 🥊
- Grandma’s Revenge – A slow but powerful punch that lands when they least expect it
- Netflix & Chop – A lazy backfist strike that looks effortless but hurts
- “Why You Little…!” Punch – A wild, unpredictable strike fueled by pure frustration
2. Epic Kicks 🦵
- The Mosquito Swat – A high kick that misses every time
- Spinning Confusion Kick – A tornado kick that leaves you dizzier than your opponent
- Accidental Face Smack – A failed front kick that turns into a slap
3. Legendary Blocks 🛑
- The “Not Today” Block – A last-second, panic-induced flail that somehow works
- Stop! Thief! Block – Dramatically throwing your hands up like you’re calling for help
- The “I Wasn’t Ready” Block – A weak, last-minute attempt to save yourself
4. Secret Techniques 🕵️♂️
- The “Shoelace Distraction” Technique – Pointing at their feet before striking
- The “Surprise Hug” Defense – When you turn a fight into an awkward embrace
- The “I Meant to Do That” Roll – When you trip but act like it was a planned move
Fun Facts about Karate
1. Karate Means “Empty Hand”
The word karate (空手) is made up of two Japanese characters: “kara” (empty) and “te” (hand). It emphasizes unarmed combat, using only the body as a weapon.
2. It Originated in Okinawa
Karate was developed in Okinawa, Japan, blending local fighting techniques with influences from Chinese martial arts. It was initially practiced in secret due to a ban on weapons.
3. Belt Colors Represent Progress
Karate’s belt system shows a practitioner’s skill level, starting with white (beginner) and progressing to black (expert). In some traditions, each color symbolizes growth, like a plant growing from a seed (white) to a blooming flower (black).
4. Kata Is the Heart of Karate
Kata refers to sequences of choreographed movements that simulate combat against imaginary opponents. It’s a blend of technique, precision, and rhythm—a key component of karate training.
5. Karate Emphasizes Respect
A core value of karate is respect for others. Students bow when entering the dojo, before and after sparring, and to their instructors and fellow practitioners to demonstrate humility and gratitude.
6. Breaking Boards Requires Technique
The famous board-breaking demonstrations aren’t about brute strength—it’s all about speed, precision, and proper technique. Striking at the right angle and focus is the key to success.
7. Karate Was Added to the Olympics in 2021
For the first time, karate was included as an Olympic sport during the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021). It featured two disciplines: Kumite (sparring) and Kata (forms).
8. It’s a Mental Practice Too
Karate isn’t just physical—it also strengthens mental focus, discipline, and self-control. Practicing karate improves confidence, decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
9. Different Styles of Karate Exist
There are several styles of karate, including Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu. Each has unique techniques and philosophies, but all share the same principles of self-discipline and respect.
10. “The Karate Kid” Inspired Generations
The 1984 movie The Karate Kid and its modern-day spin-off series Cobra Kai brought karate into the mainstream, inspiring countless people around the world to take up martial arts.
Karate Kata Names in English and Their Importance
Kata are pre-arranged forms that mimic combat scenarios, crucial for mastering karate punches and blocks names.
- Heian Shodan – Beginner kata meaning “Peaceful Mind, First Level.”
- Bassai Dai – Translates to “Storming Fortress.”
- Kanku Dai – Known as “To View the Sky.”
Learning these katas helps refine techniques, balance, and timing.
Karate Champions and Masters
Karate champions and masters play a vital role in inspiring practitioners. Prominent figures like Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate, and global karate champions serve as role models. A karate master name like Funakoshi embodies discipline, dedication, and skill.
Karate Styles Names and Their Unique Traits
Karate encompasses several styles, each with unique techniques and philosophies:
- Shotokan – Known for its linear movements and power.
- Goju-Ryu – Combines hard and soft techniques.
- Shito-Ryu – Focused on a wide variety of katas.
- Kyokushin – Emphasizes full-contact sparring.
Karate Teacher Names and Roles
A karate teacher name is often referred to as Sensei, symbolizing a guide in both physical and mental training. Senseis ensures students excel in mastering karate punches and blocks names, stances, and katas.
Karate Steps and Their Importance
Karate steps, or ashi sabaki, involve strategic footwork for effective transitions. They ensure practitioners maintain balance while performing moves.
Conclusion
Karate is a martial art that weaves together punches, kicks, blocks, stances, and kata into a cohesive practice.
By learning karate block names, karate kick names, and other terminology, practitioners comprehensively understand this discipline.
From mastering karate punches and blocks names to appreciating the significance of karate belt names, every aspect of karate contributes to personal growth, strength, and resilience.