Karate is one of the World’s most popular martial arts. Modern day Karate was developed in Okinawa, a small Island off Japan. Karate is a highly effective system of self-defence, and also an excellent form of exercise that promotes a number of life skills and values.
Karate practise is generally divided up into three components: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).
Kihon (basics) covers various strikes, blocks, kicks, stances and movements one might need to use in self-defence. Students practise these in lines each class so that the techniques are refined and become instinctive.
Kihon, or basic practise, allows students to develop an understanding of their body and how it can be used as most effectively as a weapon, for example, how to generate maximum power with minimum effort.
Kata (forms) is often referred to as the ‘art form’ of karate. Each kata (form) is a traditional predetermined pattern of movements that promotes a number of self-defence principles. Kata practise also develops coordination, balance, agility, strength and speed.
Kumite (sparring) is where techniques and principles learnt in Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms) are applied against an opponent. Kumite can vary greatly, depending on the student’s level of experience. For example, beginners only practise pre-arranged kumite. This is where both the attacker and defender know exactly which techniques will be used and when. They do this in a slow and controlled environment.
As a self-defence system, karate does not so much teach a set of standard responses to a set of limited scenarios, but rather it teaches a set of principles that can be applied to any situation.
Unlike many martial arts, the size and strength of a karate practitioner is unimportant as students are taught to use their entire body when delivering strikes. Furthermore, students are trained to deliver sharp blows with various weapons of the body towards pressure-sensitive areas of an opponent.
While karate teaches a person combat skills, karate does not promote aggression. Instead it promotes awareness to avoid conflict. Combat should only be used as a last resort.
As a health and fitness activity, karate tones and shapes the body, increases aerobic stamina, improves muscular strength and flexibility, enhances balance, agility and co-ordination and quickens the reflexes.
Karate also improves our mental health. As it challenges the brain, it improves focus and concentration. It also develops a person’s composure and provides a deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities.
