Hara: (hah-rah) The lower abdomen. This is the largest and strongest muscle group in the body, but also the slowest.

Tanden: (tan-den) Located on the centerline of the body about 1" to 2" below the navel. This is the center of chi (internal energy) and of balance.

Centerline: The center vertical axis of the body. Offensive attacks must be aligned to it. It is critical to protect your centerline.

High-Low Principle: When one part of the body moves high, the other should move low. This serves as a counterbalance and gives maximum protection.

Soke's back hand is high in the picture above, but his front hand is low.

Kime: (key-may) The focusing of the technique to its target using the mind, body, and spirit harmoniously.

Bent Arm Principle: The arm is bent at a 45 degree angle. This position prevents injury and hyperextension of the joint. It aligns the technique to the centerline, and presents a shock absorbing principle and an angle of deflection against your opponent's blow.

Breath Control: Breathe in through the nose, pushing air down to the tanden. The rate of breathing is proportionate to the technique. Breathe out through the mouth, concentrating the exhalation on the most strenuous portions of the technique.

Similar principles of breath control are seen in other athletic arenas, such as weight lifting and yoga. This aspect of your training is very important not only to the overall effectiveness of your technique, but to your safety as well. Holding your breath is a common problem among students, and can be harmful.