We've all heard of the three R's, right? Well, karate has something similar. The Three K's. What are they? Simple:

When practiced together, the above will help to create a more rounded martial artist. They will teach how to do the basic movements (kihon), how to put movements together (kata) and how to use the techniques in "real life" situations (kumite).

Kihon are the basics of karate. The individual techniques themselves. Stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, etc. These movements are usually practiced one at a time in the beginning, moving up to multiple moves. They are also practiced in a static stance first, and then while moving.

Kata are the forms that a Shotokan practitioner will perform. They are pre-arranged sequences of attacks and defenses. Their purpose is to teach the martial artist the proper way to move while performing the techniques and how to put multiple techniques together. When Gichin Funakoshi first formulated shotokan, all he taught were kata. There was no separate instruction in how to perform an individual technique. The students learned the techniques through the kata. There also was no kumite, as Funakoshi thought it was too violent.

Kumite is the one-on-one and one-on-many fighting that is practiced. The purpose of kumite is to teach the student how to perform his/her techniques with a live opponent, were as kata uses imaginary opponents. There are several types of kumite:

1. Kihon Kumite, or basic sparring is done with each opponent taking a step. Both attacker and defender take up fighting stances. The attacker will announce the technique they will throw (or it will be decided before hand by the instructor) and then step in towards the defender throwing that technique. The defender will step back and block and counter the technique. More advanced defenders may step in towards the attacker.
2. Jyu-ippon Kumite, or semi-free sparring is usually done with the participants taking multiple steps before the attack. There may three of five steps taken. The attacker will then announce his/her technique and execute it. The defender will block and counter. More advanced students may practice this sparring without announcing the attack.
3. Jyu Kumite, or free sparring is the most advanced type of sparring practice. Both practitioners assume fighting stances and have at it. There is no calling of techniques and no designated attacker/defender. Each student must attack and defend as and when they see fit.

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