Karada-Kitae

Karada-kitae is defined as 'body forging or conditioning'. It consists of conditioning the feet (ashi-kitae), stomach (fukubu-kitae), legs and shins (Kashi-kitae), and arms (Kote-kitae).

Body forging has long been used in karate practice to condition the body and specific parts to with stand the punishment that is inflicted on them in the practice of karate as well as in self-defense on the streets.

It brings the practitioners in close proximity so they get use to someone, possibly a stranger bent on doing harm, being within very close proximity or within their space (aura). This can be uncomfortable in non-combative situations and intensified in street defense.

It conditions the body to withstand blows of various kinds. It develops a tough mental attitude and provides some inclination of what they could expect in street defense. It also develops timing and rhythm (Hyoshi), distancing (Ma-ai), and self-confidence.

Karada-kitae can be practiced either lightly or hard depending on the goals of the karate-ka in their pursuit of the way of the empty hand (karate-do). Couple karada-kitae with makiwara, tameshiwari and kumite a practitioner develops the physical side necessary for defense of life and limb while other aspects of karate-do build the more esoteric benefits of practice.