What is KARATE ?

Karate is one of the oldest and the most complex Martial Arts in the world. Over the years Karate has evolved from the deciding factor between life and death, to a more traditional form of exercise, and has been incorporated into modern fashion. Karate was first established on an island situated off the coast of Japan, known as Okinawa and has been defined as a means of defence without weapons. The art is a conglomerate of moves used for dynamic attacks and self-defence which demand the use of the entire human body.

Studying the Martial arts is not without its advantages, as it allows the body to become a toned, strong and durable athletic machine, which is able to withstand great pressure and overcome any challenge laid before it. The need for hand to hand combat was almost completely declared obsolete after the introduction of weapons, but the art of Karate has survived this evolution due to its unique contribution to physical and mental growth.

Karate has mental as well as physical advantages, as it allows the mind to develop self confidence and inspires people to attempt things that they would have previously thought to be out of their league. As a rule the training involved in perfecting such an art is excruciatingly taxing but the end result could not be more satisfying, as your mind and body slowly begin to master the most difficult of techniques. The Chinese, convey their beliefs of the arts by way of mediums, known to them as the "five animals of kung-fu". Each one of these mediums has their own inherent skills and teachings. The Dragon symbolises spirit, the Tiger power, the Hawk flexibility, the Snake internal strength and the Leopard portrays speed. For the perfect technique the pupil in question must possess all of these characteristics.

The Art of Karate is divided into three areas:

Kihon (encompasses the fundamental requirements of Karate such as how one should position their body, block attacks, punch effectively and kick accurately)

Kata (highlights and encourages the simulation of fight situations)

Kumite (The practice of a real combat situation with the help of a sparring partner)

Karate is primarily used for self-defence

Karate is one of the most sought after forms of self defence still in existence. Karate Instructors demonstrate a fighting karma, a balance between their mind and body if you will, which enables them to harness a huge physical power when the need arises. That is why it is not just brute force but the ability to coordinate a mind and body in to a complete harmonious unit that makes strong a karate instructor. By developing and controlling these abilities even the feeble person can summon a power which could shatter any opponent.

Karate's contribution to the Human Body

Participation in Karate allows one to enhance their coordination (movement timing), grants faster reactions and increases ones power and energy potential by approximately fifty percent.

Nowadays the facilities available for karate training are numerous, as there are Dojos in nearly every town. This fact however can sometimes become superseded by the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. The Art of Karate enables one to develop a coordination of movements, accelerate reactions and build up a resistance to successful attacks. Karate mutates the mind in such a way that allows for a clear train of thought and internal calmness, which consequentially improves self-confidence. It is believed that Karate has targets that must be hit but in retrospect you only need to mutate the art into a force that compliments your unique capabilities.

Statements of Japanese Karate masters:

Gichin Funakoshi: "The nature of the Martial Art known as Karate is not measured through victory of defeat. Its fundamental purpose is to enhance the character of the student."

Masatoshi Nakajama: "The real purpose of Karate is not just to win a fight or competition but to be used as a vessel so that one can understand the true meaning of life."

Masutacu Ojama: "A true Martial Art does not rely on the use of weapons. Instead it requires an unprecedented discipline with regards to training which develops huge physical power. This however is not the sole purpose of Karate. The Art strives to develop ones inner spirit and mental growth which in turn enhances ones personality. As a student of Karate becomes physically stronger and enhances their technical ability with regards to self-defence, their relationship with other people also improves."

Tsutomu Ohshima, Shihan: "Each of us partake of Karate for a number of different reasons: to be a good fighter, to maintain a physically fit condition or to learn how to protect ourselves. When I first started studying this Martial Art I aspired to become very strong but the essence of Karate teaches you very quickly that real power is derived not just from physical power but by way of many other factors. These factors make up the sports / disciplines known as the Martial Arts."