Most things in karate are singular names that describe one precise technique. We put up a bunch of words together and we have a strike, a block, a kick, a throw, etc. However we use some names to indicate multiple or double techniques.

Ren-Tsuki

Two straight punches. I hate one-two combos as even a rock can parry them, but they could be useful in a self defense situation. You might use them in sport Kumite to take time.

Execution:

• Perform either:
  • a Choku-Tsuki with one hand followed by another one with the other
  • an Oi-Tsuki with one hand followed by a Gyako-Tsuki with the other
  • a Gyako-Tsuki with one hand followed by an Oi-Tsuki with the other

Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):

• Sport Kumite: 🟨
• Full-Contact Kumite: ❌
• Self-Defense: ✅

Sanbon-Tsuki

Three straight punches. While better than Ren-Tsuki it’s still a quite known pattern. You can use them repetevely to obtain nice combos. Very nice in sport Kumite, because the probability of one strike getting in is decent.

Execution:

• Perform either:
  • a Choku-Tsuki with one hand, followed by another one with the other, and another one with the first
  • an Oi-Tsuki with one hand followed by a Gyako-Tsuki with the other followed by an Oi-Tsuki with the first
  • a Gyako-Tsuki with one hand followed by an Oi-Tsuki with the other followed by a Gyako.Tsuki with the first

Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):

• Sport Kumite: ✅
• Full-Contact Kumite: 🟨
• Self-Defense: ✅

Mae-Ashide-Sandan-Geri

Three front kicks, one low, one medium, and one high. It might give you a point in sport Kumite, but it’s impractical in full-contact Kumite and dangerous in self defense.

Execution:

• Charge your leg and without putting it to the ground until finshing the technique:
  • Perform a Gedan-Mae-Geri
  • Perform a Chudan-Mae-Geri
  • Perform a Jodan-Mae-Geri

Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):

• Sport Kumite: 🟨
• Full-Contact Kumite: ❌
• Self-Defense: ❌