Thinking About Taking Karate?

Are you interested in learning Karate but feel a little nervous about beginning your training? Most of our students felt the same way when they first began training in the martial arts. We understand how intimidating starting a new activity can be, and have structured our classes so that beginners can work comfortably in a class with intermediate and advanced belts. All you will need for your first class is:

• Comfortable clothing (track pants, t-shirt)
• No socks or shoes - bare feet
• Ensure that your fingernails and toenails are trimmed short

Typically we encourage students to try karate for a couple months before making the investment for a uniform (called Gi). They are available for purchase at each of the respective clubs.

Kata - Important Component Of Karate

The kata is an artistic presentation in which all movement is defense and counter attack, and put together in a refined manner with no wasted effort. Karate is and concentrates on defense. Kata is:

• Good for all ages
• Builds the body and helps the practice of self defense in areas such as speed, mental concentration, spirit, focus, and stamina.

Kumite (sparring)

Kumite - “free fighting” Kumite or “sparring” is when a two or more martial artists fight each other. In Wado Kai Karate opponents exercise control meaning there is:

• No direct contact to the head, face, throat, groin, or spine
• No uncontrolled technique, landed or otherwise
• Minimal contact (control) to allowable areas

Karate Is a Healthy Choice

Many people think of karate and they visualize dazzling high kicks and dropping into the splits aka Jean Claude Van Damm. Not everyone will be physically able to perform these feats that are seen at the movies that typically stereotype karate and we're not going to pretend that we'll be able to make anybody a star. Our purpose is to make sure that you work at a level that is comfortable, yet challenging to yourself. People feel good when they are healthy. With a healthy body, you have a healthy mind. Everything from waking up in the morning, and thinking clearly at school, work, etc becomes easier to deal with and more enjoyable when your body and mind are in tune.

Awareness and Self Defense

The key to self defense does not rely on punching and kicking. As a matter of fact, we discourage physical confrontation unless it is an absolute last resort. Learning to be aware of your surroundings and avoiding dangerous situations is the focus of awareness. Simple things that people probably already know are used as constant reminders so that awareness becomes a natural way of thinking. We don't want people to be paranoid or scared to walk around their own block or to go to school, but many bad situations can be avoided.

Concentration and Focus

Concentration is something that for many people, has to be taught. Many doctors are now recommending people with A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) and A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) learn karate because of the concentration skills that are developed through the training drills and the practice of kata - a series of movements, much like a dance choreography with the use of karate techniques.

Balance

Balance is a physical, and mental attribute that is developed as a result of karate training. Balance in the physical sense is acquired by performing drills that make you aware of what your body is doing while in motion. Balance as a mental characteristic is developed as you use karate as a mental stimulant.

For most people karate will not be as natural as walking so you will have to rationalize your movements as you learn them. With the presence of a good physical and mental balance you will enhance and develop your skills.

Control

Control is a result of focus, concentration, and confidence. Through the efforts of repetitive karate training people learn their limitations. The more aggressive person may want to push those limitations, which is not a bad thing, but they learn to deal with what they have in front of them. Emotions such as anger and fear may never leave a person completely but by practice, like anything else, you can learn to control them.

Respect and Discipline

Most educated people associate karate with discipline. This is because of the format in which the classes are taught. Respect is paramount. Discipline comes from within and will give the student the focus they will need to succeed (in Karate or any other life activity).

Goal Orientation

People need direction. Most people enter a karate club with visions of wearing a black belt. The realization of reaching that goal can be overwhelming without proper direction. As instructors we help individuals set reasonable goals so that a person can make these ambitions attainable. Instead of thinking about a black belt that may be five or more years down the road, we focus on our ranking system which breaks it down to a few months at a time. At each level the student knows in advance what is expected of them to reach the next level. People that learn the importance of mile marking goals can more readily accept some of life's challenges and learn to make realistic goals for themselves when there isn't someone there to do it for them.

Self Confidence

You have to feel good about yourself and you have to trust in your abilities to be confident. Karate teaches you how to handle pressure by applying a little bit at a time. Once you understand (what you believe) to be your limits you can start to expand or push those limits -and feel good about trying something you never imagined you could. Karate is an endless learning experience that provides constant challenge keeping you alert and lets your confidence grow.

Constant Supervision & Guidance

Karate clubs, unlike many health clubs provide constant instruction by experienced leaders. Most people don't have the discipline to work out by themselves and it's human nature to work on what we already do well rather than to work at what is more difficult. By having the instructors lead a class through a planned routine you get a good balanced workout. Karate also promotes group support by having students work with each other under the guidance of a instructor. This teaches a more experienced student to work their leadership skills by passing along information that they have gathered over the years. A less experienced student will also ask questions that will challenge the senior student. This is a challenge that requires the senior student to put trust in their abilities and in return adds a real sense of accomplishment.

Karate as a Sport

Karate as a sport has been on a steady incline since the late 1960s. It provides a method of testing your abilities in a controlled environment. The sparring is fast paced not only for the spectator, but requires precision skill and control by the competitor. In karate you pull your technique, scoring points by showing the judges what you could do in a self defense situation. The kata competition shows a combination of grace and power in technique through a series of choreographed movements that represent the competitor defending themselves in a multi attack environment. Both provide a sense of self accomplishment and build confidence by performing in front of their peers and an audience.

Karate is Fun!

Not only do you benefit from learning the techniques and routines that karate provides, you do it with other people that share a common interest. Any extra curricular activity you involve yourself with should be a release from the stress or anxiety that is built up in our daily routines. People involved in karate can established friendships for life.