Jumat, 27 Juni 2014

Karate: Facts About This Martial Art

By Leigh Metopher


Karate is an ancient martial art that originated on the island of Okinawa in Japan. The word karate actually means "hand," and while punching and striking are important components of karate, kicking and knee strikes also important elements that students will learn during their training.

About six hundred years ago, Chinese martial arts were introduced to the people of Okinawa by visitors from China coming to trade goods with the inhabitants of these islands. During the years of the Ryukyu, karate was developed out of these ancient Chinese martial arts, but while it was hugely popular in Okinawa, the art did not reach the mainland until around 1910. However, it quickly became popular and by 1924, the first karate club was formed. By the mid-1930s, karate clubs had been established at most Japanese universities. During World War II, American soldiers were exposed to karate and the first American karate dojo opened in Arizona in 1945.

Of course, karate is not just one specific martial art. There are actually more than one dozen styles of karate to consider learning. Shotokan karate is perhaps the most common you will find and this was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. However, one could opt to learn Kyokushin karate or perhaps Wado-ryu or even Shuri-ryu, which was actually developed in the United States and not in Japan.

As you probably know, as you progress in your study of karate, you work to earn different levels of belts. In order to reach each new belt, certain skills must be mastered. Beginners have a white belt, and these students are working toward earning a yellow belt. From there, the progression moves from orange to green, and then you attempt to earn a purple belt, a brown belt, a red belt and with much hard work and commitment, a black belt. There are also degrees of black belts for those who continue to progress in the art.

Earning each belt is certainly a huge accomplishment, but karate is not just about belts and certainly is not just about fighting. In fact, the philosophy is quite the opposite. Practitioners are taught to possess humility and self-control and use karate as a means of self-defense, not aggression. At a proper dojo, while students are certainly encouraged to earn belts, the main focus is improving discipline and one's physical condition. Karate is as much a way of life as it is a style of fighting.

If you are searching for a Carlsbad karate school or Encinitas karate school for your child, consider Team Mai. Classes are taught by experienced instructors, all of whom have earned black belts in karate. You will find that martial arts training has many benefits for children. Not only will they be able to defend themselves if necessary, they will improve their physical strength, flexibility and coordination as well as boosting confidence.




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