Your karate training will fall into three main these being kihon, kata and kumite.

Kihon means basics and the term covers all the basic blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, sweeps and stances.

Kata are set sequences of basic movements designed to develop balance, strength and concentration.  They range from short basic sequences through to very long complicated sequences.  They are used as part of the grading system with certain kata being allied to certain grades.

Kumite is fighting, and different formalized routines are explained which develop defences, counter-attacks and timing; these are the basic building blocks for freestyle fighting.

A good way of testing the effectiveness of techniques is to practice on an inanimate object, such as a Makiwara or punching bag.  In the early stages, use light contact in such practice until you become more proficient