Karate 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Karate

karate

Karate is a martial art that involves striking, kicking and blocking techniques that can be used for competition or self defense purposes depending on the style practiced. It offers a great way to improve your physical fitness levels while learning important life lessons such as respect, focus and discipline along the way!

While karate does have a violent reputation, this shouldn’t put people off getting involved! Rather than straightforward punching and kicking, serious karate practice develops balance, grace and self-discipline. This helps students develop a sharper thought process, greater insight into their mental capabilities and increased self-confidence. It also develops a strong sense of community as students train together and support each other through their journey!

The karate discipline is divided into different styles which compete in tournaments from local to international level. These tournaments are designed to match members of opposing karate styles in kata, sparring and weapons demonstration. Some tournaments are exclusive to a particular style while others allow fighters from any karate style to participate within the rules of that particular event.

Developing the basic skills of karate is known as Kihon training and focuses on the development of fundamental stances, strikes, blocks and kicks. Each karate style places varying emphasis on kihon but generally all rely on the repetition of basic techniques until they become natural. This is accompanied by a heavy emphasis on discipline and focus in practice and in the dojo (training hall). As students progress, they may also learn kata which are formalised sequences of techniques based on idealized combat applications that are then demonstrated with an opponent under controlled conditions.