Karate, Martial arts and self defence
65- Martial Arts Ezines
For every ezine on every martial art you could ever want - FOR FREE - Super Fitness the Martial Arts Way
Learn how the ancient Martial Artists achieved super fitness without expensive equipment or gyms. - Wrist Locks
Wrist locks for martial arts and self defence. Learn how to control the situation easily and confidently.
My Karate
I started out at Karate rather as a joke; my current boyfriend was an instructor and he only had one woman student. I watched them in action and thought "I could do that", so decided to give it a go. What I didn't realise was that Karate, and I studied Shotokan Karate, requires a lot of discipline, self restraint, energy and enthusiasm. If your mind isn't on it you could quite easily get hurt!
Saying that I suddenly found that I was enjoying myself, enjoying the fitness I was getting (without joining a gym), the commradeship (with people I had never met before), and the competition. I became quite passionate about Karate and made my way up through the levels to become 1st Kyu - a brown belt with two white stripes, a grade just below black belt. Unfortunately life then got involved and I had two children, with all that it involves, and found I had no time or energy for obtaining my coveted Black Belt. But, with my youngest just about to turn one, my thoughts are beginning to turn back towards Karate, and that longing for the black belt; so who knows, I may just be heading back to a Dojo soon!
Here are a few pointers on Karate for you.
|
NEW CENTURY MARTIAL ARTS UNIFORM KARATE GI ADULT CHILD
Current Bid: $22.45
|
|
WHITE 8 Oz. Karate Uniform Gi Size 2 Martial Arts NEW!
Current Bid: $22.99
|
|
Karate Uniform SIZE 1 WHITE 6oz Martial Art Gi
Current Bid: $21.00
|
|
Karate Uniform Lightweight Student
Current Bid: $18.95
|
What is Shotokan Karate?
Shotokan Karate comes from Okinawa, an Island near Japan, and was created from various forms and styles by Gichin Funakoshi. It is relatively modern, being formed in 1936 but carries a lot of Japanese history and discipline within it.
All Shotokan Karate students learn Kumite (fighting) and Kata (a set of attacking and blocking moves rather like a dance). The beginners Kumite is striking and blocking techniques. As you learn more there is less structure to the fighting until at higher levels you take part in free style fighting.
Karate students start at white belt level and with each grade attained change the colour of their belt. In my Shotokan Karate school the grades were: white, orange, red, yellow, green, purple, purple and one white stripe, brown, brown and one white stripe, brown and two white stripes, black.
- Mixed Martial Arts
Learn how simple it can be to master the art of Mixed Martial Arts and start knocking out the professionals in minutes. - Martial Arts grip strength
Learn six simple sets of exercises that will give you the power to slam your opponents with hands like sledgehammers.
What does Karate teach you?
I didn't learn Karate so that I could take on other people. Nor did I learn Karate to brag that I knew Martial Arts. If you are considering any martial arts for those reasons then you have picked the wrong sport.
Yes, we were shown self defence techniques, but we were mainly shown how to get away, and then told to run, not to take on an opponent. Knowing Karate does not make you invulnerable, quite the opposite in fact. Many people would find you a challenge if they knew.
Karate teaches you fighting techniques, self defence, self respect. It also teaches discipline to both adults and children, as well as respect and co-operation. It is not about brute force or strength; indeed I found that being 5' 2" was to my advantage. When I stepped into a fighting stance then most of the men found I was too small a target to hit.
Karate is also good for exercise. I have always been gym shy as I don't have a superstar physiche but I found that Karate helped me keep tabs on my heart, and my health. That's not to say it doesn't have it's risks; I broke my big toe during a routine practice session!
If your kids are pestering you for a club and they don't want to go to football, tennis or rugby I would strongly reccommend Karate. Go along and watch. You may even find that you want to join in too, just like I did.
 | Amazon Price: $1.95 List Price: $4.60 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $3.09 List Price: $18.00 |
CommentsLoading...
Well done! What achievements you've made. I'm hoping that my stamina will return when I get back into it and hopefully my boys will join me too, when they're old enough.
Nice commentary on Karate. Martial arts has also had a profound effect on my life. Good to hear from others who haven't left the *art* out of the martial arts. I'd like to hear what you think of my hub on martial arts for kids. Good luck on your quest for Shodan.
Cheers,
Coach Albert
It is a really great sport to get into and can become a large part of your life. Your hub is a great one for people to look at as well.
tjmum,
I agree with martial arts being a great increase in fitness without the drudging of hours in the gym. Instead of looking at the clock while on the treadmill use that same time of fitness while learning how to protect yourself on the street. Good hub
MsStarchild 3 years ago
I really enjoyed your hub..I also got started in karate in a strange way. I won a free month at a local dojo that was just starting out. That was almost ten years ago and I find that I really enjoy it for all the reasons you did. I'm also small and sometimes it does work to my advantage! My sensei sometimes calls me five foot nothin of meaness!! I recently became a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shin Nagare Karate and a 1st Degree Back Belt in Shin Shin Ju jitsu. Good luck on your Black Belt when you can resume your training!