Ashihara Karate is based on the concept of Sabaki. So, what does Sabaki mean? Sabaki refers to movement, often involving a concept of control, sometimes implying preparation for a subsequent movement.

Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara has adopted the word Sabaki to epitomize the essence of his style of Karate. In Ashihara Karate, Sabaki describes the movement made by a defender stepping out of the line of attack, into a position of from which he can launch a counter attack. This controlled movement, in preparation for a subsequent advance, is the basis of the strategy of Ashihara Karate: the combination of defense and offense into one.....SABAKI!