About Karate

What is Karate-do?

It is a Martial art in which the ultimate purpose is not to seek to win, but to work towards perfection of character by the accumulation of experience through training.

It is also a form of self-defence using all parts of the body, which, by hard and systematic training, become effective and powerful weapons.

Karate encompasses whole body movements which develop balance so that an overall maturity of movement is created. Karate incorporates the uses of the entire body in which the legs, hips, spinal column, shoulders and arms are all made to react with each other in a mechanically coordinated system, so that the power which has been created at different joints of the body is finally channelled into a single area with tremendous force.

This kind of coordination is achieved through the constant practice of basic movements (Kihon) which, due to their variety and complexity, can be considered as a complete art form themselves.

The mastery of these fundamental techniques ensures a strong foundation for progress and expansion in the other two aspects of Karate-do, being formal exercises (Kata) and Sparring (Kumite).

How effective is Karate as self-defence?

Good Karate is the most effective form of unarmed combat in existence.

The main reasons are simple: it is designed to disable with one move, it has techniques against all forms of attack; it was developed through centuries of harsh experience; it trains the mental and emotional skills of combat, together with the physical.

Strength and size are not important in Karate.

It can be done well whatever your strength, although a weak person will become stronger as he/she progresses.

Karate teaches you to avoid possible confrontations, it is better to de-fuse or avoid a dangerous situation than confront it.

How good is Karate for Fitness?

Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate uses every part of the body and is an excellent activity for conditioning the muscles. Karate helps to develop balance, poise, flexibility, strength, speed and stamina.

Most important, especially for older students and sedentary workers, is the strengthening of heart and lung action, the legs are exercised particularly well in Karate practice and any doctor will confirm that this is essential in circulatory health. Karate is not seasonal, so condition can be maintained throughout the year.

Are there any other benefits from Karate?

Karate has provided its adherents with benefits more significant than competence in physical combat.

Patience, a strong character, self control, confidence, mental and physical stamina are to name but a few.

The true rewards are in the improvement of mind, body and character. Without this threefold development, mastery of the techniques is impossible. Great personal effort and mental concentration are needed to learn Karate but the rewards are enormous.

Becoming part of a Karate club and association is also a means of developing friendship and improving the social side of life.