Karate
KARATE
Karate
Karate can be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).
HISTORY
Karate history can be traced back some 1400 years, to Daruma, founder of Zen Buddhism in Western India. Daruma is said to have introduced Buddhism into China, incorporating spiritual and physical teaching methods that were so demanding that many of his disciples would drop in exhaustion. In order to give them greater strength and endurance, he developed a more progressive training system, which he recorded in a book, Ekkin-Kyo, which can be considered the first book on karate of all time.
The physical training, heavily imbued with Daruma's philosophical principles, was taught in the Shaolin Temple in the year 500 A.D. Shaolin (Shorin) kung-fu, from northern China, was characterized by very colorful, rapid, and dynamic movements; the Shokei school of southern China was known for more powerful and sober techniques. These two kinds of styles found their way to Okinawa, and had their influence on Okinawa's own original fighting method, called Okinawa-te (Okinawan hand) or simply te. A ban on weapons in Okinawa for two long periods in its history is also partly responsible for the high degree of development of unarmed fighting techniques on the island.
In summary, karate in Okinawa developed from the synthesis of two fighting techniques. The first one, used by the inhabitants of Okinawa, was very simple but terribly effective and, above all, very close to reality since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat. The second one, much more elaborate and impregnated with philosophical teachings, was a product of the ancient culture of China. These two origins explain the double character of Karate--extremely violent and efficient but at the same time a strict and austere discipline and philosophy with a nonviolent emphasis.
TRAINING
After the bow in, there is a warm up period. This is followed by practice of basic techniques (kihon), kata and sparring (kumite). At the end of class, there is a warm down period and a bow out. Students are expected to train a minimum of twice a week, in the instructed classes. Students have different levels of ability and progress at different speeds. It is not appropriate to measure your progress against other students. Do not let yourself become discouraged; it is likely that you are doing better than you think.
Basic Techniques
Basic techniques include blocks, strikes, punches or kicks. Techniques are practised in stance and may involve movement, timing, distance, targeting or combinations.
Blocks involve re-directing an attack; the forearm is used most often, but hands or legs can also be used. Most blocks require the wrist to turn quickly at the moment of impact, rather than using force against force, or a pushing movement. If contact is made after twisting the wrist, the block becomes a strike.
Strikes are generally performed with the elbow, forearm, wrist, fingers and open hands. They are usually offensive techniques, but are also effective as blocks.
Punches require a tight, closed fist and usually make contact close to the knuckles of the first and second fingers. A few punching techniques make contact with the extended second knuckle of the first or second finger. Most punches require the wrist to be quickly turned, a moment before contact.
Kicks are leg techniques, generally making contact with the foot, instep or shin. The knee must be raised quickly before the kick and the leg is always brought back to the starting position at the end. Either a "snapping" or "thrusting" motion is required.
Hand and leg techniques are both important and require roughly equal amounts of practice (many students find leg techniques a little more difficult and will benefit from slightly more emphasis on this area). It is also advisable to practice left and right sides equally (with a little more emphasis on the "weaker" side).
At each rank level, students will work on new techniques, which gradually increase in complexity. Most students will learn some techniques quickly, but struggle with others. Some allowance is made for individual body types and limitations, but students are always expected to try their best.
The practice of karate leads to:
Muscular and Aerobic fitness
Body alignment, balance and movement
Increased perceptual awareness
Stress management
Concentration, confidence and discipline
At the BJJSDA, we offer 3 sets of karate classes
• Pee Wees, for kids ages 4-6
• Beginners for kids age 6+ just starting out in martial arts
• Advanced for kids with a year or so of training under their belts, and adults
Karate provides a great foundation of stance, movement, punches, and kicks. As they progress, many students will add BJJ classes to complement their karate skills.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007, bob