kihonwaza

Kihonwaza, literally meaning basic techniques, is a term used in Japanese martial arts to denote the fundamental offensive and defensive techniques that form the foundation of a discipline. The word combines kihon (basics) and waza (techniques). Kihonwaza encompasses the core movements that teach proper body mechanics, timing, distance, and control, and are typically taught early in training and revisited throughout a practitioner’s progression.

What kihonwaza includes varies by art but generally covers stances (dachi), footwork (ashi sabaki), strikes and blocks (tsuki, uchi, geri, uke), as well as basic joint locks, throws, or pins where applicable. In sword arts they include basic cuts and parries; in grappling arts they include fundamental throws and pins; in karate the kihonwaza are the core techniques used in kata and kumite.

Training usually proceeds from simple to complex: repeated practice of individual techniques (kihon), then paired drills and combination work (renraku), and finally application in drills or kata. The aim is consistent technique, safety, and reliable transfer to more advanced waza and strategy. Some schools maintain formal lists of kihonwaza as a curriculum baseline, while others teach them within the context of kata or sparring.

Etymology: kihon means “basics” and waza means “techniques.” The concept emphasizes a solid, repeatable motor foundation upon which more advanced skills are built.

See also: kata, kumite, suburi, waza, randori.