Shotokan karate is one of the most well-known and widespread styles of karate. Developed by Gichin Funakoshi, this style focuses on strong, direct techniques and disciplined, formal practice. The basic techniques in Shotokan karate can be divided into several categories: stances (dachi), hand strikes (tsuki and uchi), blocks (uke), kicks (geri), and movement (tai sabaki). Here's a detailed overview:

1. Stances (dachi)

Stances are basic body positions in karate and are crucial for balance, stability, and the strength of techniques.

Zenkutsu-dachi (front stance): The weight is primarily on the front leg, with the back leg extended. It is used for powerful attacks.

Kokutsu-dachi (back stance): The weight is mostly on the back leg, with the front leg slightly bent. This stance is useful for defense.

Kiba-dachi (horse stance): The weight is evenly distributed between the legs, which are spread and bent at the knees. It is used for stability.

Sanchin-dachi (sanchin stance): A stance with slightly bent legs and feet turned inward, used for stability and concentration of power.

Neko-ashi-dachi (cat stance): Most of the weight is on the back leg, with the front leg slightly raised and ready for a strike or block.

2. Hand Strikes (tsuki and uchi)

Hand strikes in Shotokan karate are performed with the aim of precision, speed, and power.

Oi-zuki (stepping punch): A direct punch performed with a step forward.

Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch): A punch delivered with the opposite hand from the front leg, often used as a counterattack.

Kizami-zuki (jab): A fast, short punch with the front hand.

Age-zuki (rising punch): A punch aimed upward towards the opponent's face.

Uraken uchi (backfist strike): A strike using the back of the fist, often in a horizontal or vertical direction.

Shuto uchi (knife-hand strike): A strike using the edge of the hand, also known as a "knife-hand" strike.

3. Blocks (uke)

Blocks are essential for defense and preventing an opponent's attack.

Gedan-barai (downward block): Blocking an attack aimed at the lower part of the body.

Jodan age-uke (high block): Blocking an attack aimed at the head.

Soto-uke (outside block): Blocking an attack from the outside of the body.

Uchi-uke (inside block): Blocking an attack from the inside of the body.

Shuto-uke (knife-hand block): Using the edge of the hand to block, usually from the side.

4. Kicks (geri)

Kicks are powerful techniques used to attack various parts of the opponent's body.

Mae-geri (front kick): A direct kick forward, usually targeting the stomach or chest.

Yoko-geri (side kick): A powerful kick to the side, often aimed at the ribs or head.

Mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick): A circular kick, usually targeting the head or body.

Ushiro-geri (back kick): A powerful kick backward, using the heel.

Fumikomi-geri (stomp kick): A strong, downward stomp, often aimed at the opponent's knee.

5. Movement (Tai Sabaki)

Movement is key to avoiding attacks and positioning for counterattacks.

Ayumi-ashi (stepping forward): Standard forward walking in stance.

Yori-ashi (sliding): Quick sliding forward or backward while maintaining the stance.

Tsugi-ashi (following step): A movement where the back foot moves up to the front foot, then the front foot moves forward.

Mawatte (turning): A quick turn to change direction in stance.

These techniques form the foundation of Shotokan karate, but their true power comes from proper learning and practice, as well as understanding the principles behind each technique.