Karate - A closer look
What Karatedo is!
What Karatedo is not!
What is Shotokan Karate?
Can anyone practice Karate?
Karate for Children
Karate for Adults
Karate as a Sport
Karate as a Career
What to expect on your first Karatedo
class
Who will teach me?
What will training involve?
What are the benefits in practising Karate?
How do I measure my progress?
How long will it take to achieve my Black-Belt?
How much will it cost?
How do I start?
Karate's 5 Dojo Kun (codes)
Some useful Japanese Terminology
Am I fit for Karate?
Karate - A Closer look
The proper way to address Karate is 'Karatedo'.
'KARA' means 'EMPTY'
'TE' means 'HAND'
'DO' (the 'O' pronounced as in 'go') means 'THE
WAY'...towards Enlightenment.
Hence Karatedo is a means of using nothing but our empty hands, to become fitter, stronger, more confident and more focused in life.
With centuries of research along scientific lines, Karatedo is also the most effective method of self-defence.
What Karatedo is.
Karatedo is a Budo...a way of the warrior.
Karatedo is a discipline.
Karatedo is a sport.
Karatedo is a fantastic way of achieving fitness.
Karatedo is an enjoyable, solo and/or group activity.
Karatedo is the most effective, scientifically developed
method of unarmed combat and self-defence.
Karatedo is a way in which the Karateka can use their
training so as to cultivate their mind, body and spirit.
Karatedo is like hot water...as long as it's on the fire
it will remain hot. Likewise, as soon as you stop training on a regular basis,
you will see your level drop.
Karatedo is a form of 'martial' art, and just like any
other form of art, it requires your full dedication and sincerity.
Karatedo is a form of meditation...an activity that
helps develop concentration and relieve stress.
Karatedo is for people of all ages - one is never too
young or old to practice the art.
What Karatedo is not.
Karatedo is not a means to enhance ones aggressive
and violent behavior.
Karatedo is not to be used as the best way to end any
difference in opinions.
Karatedo is not about conditioning your limbs to the
extent that they become deformed.
Karatedo is not going to make you a super-human... It
will only help you become a better person with strong character.
Karatedo is not about breaking bricks, boards and ice...
these are just demonstrations of the force one can generate. In reality, the
bricks, boards and ice will never hit you back.
Karatedo will not make you prone to injuries, or in
children, will not hinder their natural growth, which is the usual
misconception.
Karatedo is not for people with huge egos. Please put
the egos aside when practicing Karatedo. Seek humility.
What is Shotokan Karate?
There are many different styles of Karate, each putting more emphasis on various aspects in training, such as speed, strength, range of techniques, etc. Shotokan is a style which emphasises on a balanced development of all these aspects, taught within a disciplined system which instills self-confidence, self-control and character-building. The Shotokan style was originated by an Okinawan teacher of physical education, Gichin Funakoshi, (pen-name 'Shoto'), who introduced it to Japan in 1922. There it was developed extensively by the late Japanese Master, Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor to the Japan Karate Association (JKA). As a result of this development, Shotokan has spread to become the most widely practiced style throughout the world.
Can anyone practice Karate?
Karate can be practiced by men, women and children of all ages. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train in Karate. Karate training will help all improve their self-awareness, self-confidence, self esteem and above all... their health and attitude. Children also benefit from the emphasis put on discipline and good-manners inside and outside the Karate-Dojo (Club). Adults also benefit from the relaxing and refreshing feeling that is experienced from the energy-release in Karate.
Karate for Children?
An art practiced in a disciplined environment.
A personality & character development activity.
An excellent form of exercise to stay fit.
An inexpensive hobby.
A dynamic individual/\team sport.
Improves concentration.
Boosts self-confidence.
A great way of making friends.
Karate for Adults?
An excellent form of exercise to stay fit.
Boosts self-confidence & self-esteem.
Improves focus & concentration.
A scientifically developed form of self-defence.
Helps release stress and tension.
A great way of making friends.
A dynamic individual/team sport.
Teaches humility and appreciation for others.
An inexpensive hobby.
Karate as a Sport?
A martial (warrior's) art and sport.
A dynamic activity using all major muscle groups.
An Individual and Team discipline.
A relatively safe activity, as compared to other sports.
For children and adults to pursue.
An Internationally recognized discipline.
On its way to the Olympics.
Spiritually, more demanding than any other sport.
Karate as a Career?
For those looking for a challenging profession.
A physically, mentally and spiritually demanding job.
For those who are winners, and wish to work towards making everyone around
them a winner too.
A very gratifying and honourable profession.
Will involve a lot of traveling and interacting with people from all walks of
life.
Will demand from you to always act as a role model.
Will help those seeking a job in the Defence/Police forces; schools; colleges;
sports clubs; etc.
Is a great way to earn by teaching part/full time.
What to expect on your very first Karatedo class?
A typical training session will consist of the following: -
Seated meditation, followed by recital of Dojo Training Codes and ceremonial bow.
Warming up and stretching exercises.
'Kihon' or Basic drills, involving practicing the execution of punches,
strikes, blocks, kicks, etc. in specific stances.
And a LOT of Screaming and Shouting...so let it all out!
'Kumite' or Combat drills, using training partners to practise your basics using proper distancing, correct timing and course of technique, and most importantly...keeping in mind the element of control. (It is highly unlikely that you will undergo Kumite training on your very first class.)
'Kata', also referred to as Form, is a sequence of set combinations of techniques designed for the Karateka to practise repeatedly, and thoroughly master. (It is also unlikely that you will be taught Kata on your very first lesson).
'Taisyo' or physical exercises. These will consist of a set of exercises that will target overall body conditioning.
Coolng down, using light stretching exercises.
Seated meditation, followed by recital of Dojo Training Codes and ceremonial bow.
NB: Please feel free to ask questions, and remember to move at your own pace and with your own body rhythm. Most important of all...have a good time!
Who will teach me?
You will study Karate under the instruction of JKA qualified Black-belts who regularly attend special courses designed to improve their instruction skills. Standards are maintained by the Technical Committee whose role is to ensure that all its members receive a very high level of instruction, strictly following the JKA syllabus.
What will training involve?
After you are taught how to enter a Karate-Dojo, you will start your session with seated meditation, recital of Dojo Codes, (repeated again at the end of the session), and a routine of warm-up and stretching exercises. Your actual training will be structured into three main sections - Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (a routined sequence of techniques), and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced to you as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will ultimately lead you to free-style fighting, where you will be taught to attack with, and defend against, unannounced attacks.
What are the benefits in practising karate?
The hard physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There are 'Dojo Kun', or Training Codes, which not only ensure a disciplined training environment, but serve as a tool for moulding behaviour, so that a true Karateka will only employ physical violence as a last resort, with obvious benefits to society.
How do I measure my progess?
All students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. These gradings are conducted by JKA Qualified Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels. Colour belts are used to denote grades. There are 9 grades below Black-belt known as 'Kyu' grades, with 9th Kyu White-belt being the lowest. There are 9 levels of Black-belt, known as 'Dan' grades, with 1st Dan being the lowest.
How long will it take to achieve my Black-Belt?
Students can achieve 1st Dan standard in 3 to 4 years, with regular and correct training.
How much will it cost?
Karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The JKA membership, grading and courses fees are low compared to other sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate Gi (suit).
How do I start?
If you wish to find out some more details, or need to know about your
nearest training centre, then please contact Sensei Neeraj Dhawan at the
following: -
Phone : +91-0120-2453673
Mobile : +91-98100 99675
Or... E-mail us at [email protected]
Karate's 5 Dojo Kun (Codes)
Seek perfection of character!
Be honest and faithful!
Endeavour!
Respect others!
Refrain from violent behaviour!
Japanese terminology
Sensei Teacher
Sempai Senior
Rei A command for
salutation.
Osu An expression used
for respect (usually accompanied with a bow).
Seiza To kneel down and sit
on your heels.
Mokuso A command to shut your
eyes and meditate.
Domo Arigato Thank you very much
Gomennasai Pardon/forgive me.
Gi/Dogi Karate Uniform
Dojo Training hall.
Kihon Basics
Kata A set sequence of Kihon
techniques
Kumite Combat/Sparring
Zuki-waza Punching technique
Keri-waza Kicking technique
Uchi-waza Striking technique
Uke-waza Blocking technique
Am I fit for Karate?
Are you
A school student; a college student; an independent professional - doctor,
engineer, teacher, etc.; a corporate executive; a businessman; a housewife; a
senior citizen; an aspiring model/actor; a sportsperson; a dancer; a
fitness freak; looking for a challenging career; someone interested in
traveling and making friends with millions around the world?.
....If so, then Karate is for you!!
No matter which walk of life you come from...you can study and practice KARATE - the most dynamic and spectacular of the traditional Japanese martial arts.