In karate-do (The way of the empty hand), there are three parts in which to train; kihon, kata and kumite. In order to become a complete karateka, one must practice all three forms.
Kihon (basic techniques) is the foundation of karatepractice. Since there is no opponent, every technique can be performed to a maximum extent and easier focus on the physical and menatl power. Techniques are also used on a punching bag and makiwara to simulate and train the feeling when one hits an object with a maximum of power.
Kata is a predestined pattern with combined defensive and offensive techniques against one or several imaginary opponenets in different situations. Every kata has its own pattern of movement and its own special rythm. It is vital to train kata in all four directions, Omote - classic, Ura - mirrored, Go - backwards and Ura-Go - mirrored and backwards to bring a balance to the body and to be able to defend oneself i every imaginable directions. Then, at first you can master a kata, if this is at all possible. It is also important to train bunkai (kata applicated with one or more opponents so that it can be used in kumite). Without this, kata has lost its meaning.
Once you have mastered the basics of kihon and kata it is time to try to aply this knowledge in kumite (free fight). In the beginning, the sparring is done with predestined techniques to learn timing and feeling of blocks and attacks before moving on towards free fightning This is where one can see how far a karateka has come in his/her training. It does not matter how beautiful, fast or strong your techniques are if they are not useful in kumite.
Besides this, meditation is also used as a way of gathering energy and thoughts to be able to gain as much from karate-do as possible and bring harmoni between body and soul. This is often the hardest part to train and develop and unfortunately something that many karatekas don´t bother so much to train. The form of meditation we use is zen-meditation that originates from zenbuddhism, founded by Bodhidarma. This form differs from other forms of meditation by not trying to exclude the surrounding environment through a mantra or to fream away to another place but to open oneself to all sound, movement and scents that pass es without trying to cling on to them and analyze them. Zazen can be equaled to a thief that enters an empty room. There is nothing to steal, nothing of value. It is empty.