Until then, the karateka should stay relaxed and avoid generating unnecessary power. By tensing the wrong parts of the body or tensing at the wrong time, the karateka only diminishes the amount of power that goes into his block or attack. While he is relaxed, the karateka should stay mentally alert. Strengthening muscle power. The karateka must not only understand the principles of kihon, he must give them effect with strong, elastic muscles.
Strong muscles demand constant, earnest training.
Rhythm and timing. Karate has its own rhythm that karateka should come to recognize and understand. A master karateka's movements not only contain a great deal of power but also rhythm and, in their own way, beauty. A sense of rhythm and timing will help the karateka understand the techniques and the art in general. The hips are a crucial, yet oft-neglected component in executing karate techniques.