Karate has its official origin in the Okanowin islands. But its roots go back even further then that. Karate can trace its roots back to the fighting methods of the Chinese systems of centuries ago.
The word “Karate" means “The Empty Hand". Karate is a self-defense and fighting style of martial arts and is rooted in that history. To a greater extent, karate can be broken down into 3 different areas:
1. The basic’s.
2. Kata’s (Forms).
3. Sparing. (Simulated self-defense.)
The “Basic’s" of karate include learning how to punch, kick and how to balance yourself in the proper stances that karate is built upon. It is an art that each move you learn at the basics level is needed to go to the next level. Every move is a building block for the next one.
The “Kata" part of karate involves learning a fixed sequence of moves that need to be practiced over and over again through repetition. Through learning these set of moves you learn how to be more precise in your strikes and kicks. These “Kata’s" are apart of karate for as long as you train.
The “Sparing" part of karate is meant to be the practical application part of karate. This is where you have simulated fights and can work on your self-defense skills.
It is more-less the “mother system" to Tae-Kwon-Do and other martial arts to a lesser degree… As far as a self-defense martial art, it is VERY effective if you focus and learn everything you need to learn.
People always want to know, “How long does it take to get a black belt?"
That is a very good question! It should take you about 4 to 6 years if you train 2 to 3 times per week and are in fairly good shape and have somewhat good coordination
Is Karate The Best Martial Art?
Karate is a great martial art! The success of it depends on the person training in it. Karate is a great form of self-defense, cardio training and a good way to train your mind. It is effective on the street if you learn how to use it well.
Is Karate For Me?
The answer to that is “yes" if you are looking for a great way to keep in shape, learn an art and learn some very effective self defense techniques. The best thing to do is to go and test a few schools out and see if you like it! Most training centers in your area will let you try out a class for free and some will even give you a free month. Take advantage of it and discover for yourself if karate is the martial art for you.
