What is
karate-do?A
traditional and formalized martial art whose aims include:
Learning self defense via
the use of attacks and defenses utilizing both arms and legs.
The development of mind
and body via formalized sequences of techniques (kata) and the
practice of basic techniques and increasingly complex
combinations of techniques. "Katas" are movements that emulate
imaginative fighting against many people attacking from all
sides.
A philosophy emphasizing
humility, self discipline and self growth with the aim of self
enlightenment.
Karate-do means the way of empty hand.
The significance of this is that we learn to defend ourselves
without any weapons other than our own body, and also that we
aim to empty ourselves of (human) vanity in the practice of
this martial art. We strive to develop both humility and an
indomitable will. Karate-do is the way of life of the karate
practitioner.
Shotokan karate is one of
the largest and best known of the karate styles in the martial
arts. It has been formalized and standardized since the early
part of this century, and has given root to many other styles.
What is karate
training like?
Beginning classes are one to one and a
half hour long, three times a week. Strength, cardiovascular
endurance, and technique are developed gradually through both
repetition and increasingly more challenging exercises.
Training is divided into three major
areas: basics (kihon), forms (kata) and sparring (kumite).
Kihon consists of learning defensive (blocking) and offensive
(punching and kicking) techniques and how to maximize their
effectiveness. Kata are standardized combinations of
techniques grouped into a specific sequence. Kumite is
practice of offensive and defensive techniques with a partner.
In the beginning, this consists of a single preagreed upon
offensive and defensive technique (one by each partner). At
the highest levels, it progresses to the free exchange of
multiple techniques between partners. In addition to the these
three major areas of training, self defense applications of
karate techniques are examined and practiced.
Ranking exams are held every two
months. At each new level, a new form must be mastered, and
combinations of basic technique and sparring become
progressively more complex.
