A Beginner’s Guide to Karate
Karate
Perhaps the most well-known form of martial arts is karate. In karate, weapons are not used for defense or offense. This form of martial arts uses the entire body in both defensive and offensive tactics. Practice of karate falls under three categories. Kihon is defined as drills that include practicing punches, strikes, kicks, blocks and stances. This makes up the majority of many karate classes. Kumite means to spar, which is actually practice with a ‘fake’ opponent to gain practical real-world type experience. Kata is the simulation of combat that is pre-arranged. Kumite and Kata are usually reserved for the most advanced classes.
Instruction begins at the most basic of levels, in many classes the philosophy of karate is taught before any movements or techniques. Some students, especially youngsters, may become bored, but it is all part of building self-discipline and mental stamina that is as important as physical stamina. The goal is coordination of the body and mind to effortlessly execute the necessary techniques for the purpose of effective self defense; karate is never used to attack out of anger, only to defend against an attacker.
One thing you probably already know about karate is that belts of different colors are awarded based on a student’s progress. While there are no concrete rules on belt colors, they most often go from light to dark. Therefore, white is the first color a student will receive. In most karate classes, belt colors would awarded in the following order: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, then black. There are even degrees of black belt, for example someone could be a first degree, second degree, third degree black belt and so on. Karate is a continuous learning process in which one can always improve.
When looking for a karate class, there are things you should consider. One is the age of the person taking the class. If you want to start your child in karate, choose a class for their age range. The younger they start, the better, but is is never too late. You are never too old to start learning this form of martial art, and the classes are tailored to the participants’ age and skill levels. Some classes are for both men and women, others are for just men or just women. If you have several classes you could choose from, ask to observe each one so you can get a feel for where you would be most comfortable learning the art of karate.
