Karate has its official origin in the Okanowin islands. But its roots go back even further then that. Karate can trace its roots back to the fighting methods of the Chinese systems of centuries ago.
The word “Karate" means “The Empty Hand". Karate is a self-defense and fighting style of martial arts and is rooted in that history. To a greater extent, karate can be broken down into 3 different areas:
1. The basic’s.
2. Kata’s (Forms).
3. Sparing. (Simulated self-defense.)
The “Basic’s" of karate include learning how to punch, kick and how to balance yourself in the proper stances that karate is built upon. It is an art that each move you learn at the basics level is needed to go to the next level. Every move is a building block for the next one.
The “Kata" part of karate involves learning a fixed sequence of moves that need to be practiced over and over again through repetition. Through learning these set of moves you learn how to be more precise in your strikes and kicks. These “Kata’s" are apart of karate for as long as you train.
The “Sparing" part of karate is meant to be the practical application part of karate. This is where you have simulated fights and can work on your self-defense skills.
It is more-less the “mother system" to Tae-Kwon-Do and other martial arts to a lesser degree… As far as a self-defense martial art, it is VERY effective if you focus and learn everything you need to learn.
People always want to know, “How long does it take to get a black belt?"
That is a very good question! It should take you about 4 to 6 years if you train 2 to 3 times per week and are in fairly good shape and have somewhat good coordination
Is Karate The Best Martial Art?
Karate is a great martial art! The success of it depends on the person training in it. Karate is a great form of self-defense, cardio training and a good way to train your mind. It is effective on the street if you learn how to use it well.
Is Karate For Me?
The answer to that is “yes" if you are looking for a great way to keep in shape, learn an art and learn some very effective self defense techniques. The best thing to do is to go and test a few schools out and see if you like it! Most training centers in your area will let you try out a class for free and some will even give you a free month. Take advantage of it and discover for yourself if karate is the martial art for you.
Karate Martial Arts Supplies
...the lessons revolved around the step-by-step mindset. Even testing was centered around the correct "performance" of the technique in question that I learned in class. But, that performance was tied more to duplicating a string of "moves" than it was on...
...the successful resolution of the situation based on what was going on!
I remember a friend of mine during those days. He was very good at the art that we were studying and much further along than I was at the time.
He was testing for his black belt and everything was going well. His "performance" was flawless -at least as far as I could tell.
Then, during the last part of the final kata ('preset fight scenario'), he changed the move from a strike to a shoulder throw. The throw was awesome and his partner never saw it coming. It was great!
He told me later that, everything was going along as it should be and he knew what was to come next but...
...something was "off" with what his partner was doing with that last punch.
He literally "found himself" executing the throw, and remembered thinking, "this isn't right." But, he adapted to the situation and, without breaking the flow or trying to do something "tricky," finished the technique in a way that definately controlled his opponent.
We talked about this for days. About how, with the learning of so many techniques that, it felt very natural for him to just slip into the new ending for the technique that he was performing for the test. We were sure that his "variation" would really impress the senior black belts on the judging panel.
Well, long story short...
...he failed that test.
I couldn't believe it. According to the black belt judges - the panel of "experts" who were supposedly teaching him to be able to "go with the flow" and defend himself... He failed!
I didn't get it. Even from my position as a new student to the martial arts, and from my experience on the streets watching fights and people being attacked, I was baffled.
I mean, my friend took a surprise situation, adapted to it, and still maintained control of the flow of things in a way that ended with him being the victor.
"Yes", said the judges, many of whom were our instructors, "that's true. But he didn't do the technique correctly."
This was one of the most significant moments of my life. When I realized that, the reason I was there for training - to not die in a situation - was not the focus of the training...
...at least NOT at that school.
It seemed that, what was most important to this group of experts was...
...preserving a historically-based and stylized movement pattern that was used to help identify their tradition.
What was apparent to me was that, long ago, the importance shifted from "not dying in a violent confrontation," to "preserving a piece of history," as the main focus of training.
And, I thought, that's fine. IF, that's what you're looking for from martial arts training.
Since, for me, it was not, I had no choice but to seek out those who had the kind of knowledge and abilities that I needed. Not for historical preservation, but...
Both Jim Anderson & Jeffrey Miller are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jim Anderson has sinced written about articles on various topics from The Internet, Martial Arts and Health. Jim Anderson is an avid trainer and helps people learn self-defense using karate and martial arts to protect themselves on the street. His site is http:. Jim Anderson's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Jim Anderson to your Favourites.
Jeffrey Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing Tips, Recreation and Sports and self improvement and motivation. Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is the author of "The Karate-Myth" and the Danger Prevention Tactics video, among others. For more info,. Jeffrey Miller's top article generates over 22200 views. Bookmark Jeffrey Miller to your Favourites.
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