What is Karate?
Karate, a martial art and self-defense system, has its roots in Okinawa centuries ago, but was greatly influenced by traditional Chinese martial arts. The term "Karate-Dō" means "way of the empty hand," as practitioners use only their hands, feet and body for attacking and defending instead of weapons. However, Karate-Dō is not just about physical aspect, it is also deeply rooted in philosophical and spiritual principles of Bushido and Zen. Through intense training and practice, it helps to improve not only the physical well-being but also the mental and character development.
What is the purpose and goal of Karate?
The ultimate goal of practicing Karate is not to become physically dominant or to win competitions, but to cultivate balance, harmony and strength both physically and spiritually through dedicated and disciplined training. Karate teaches one to move naturally and effortlessly and instills an open-minded, peaceful and well-rounded character that greatly enhances daily life.
What is the JKA?
The Japan Karate Association (JKA) is the world's largest and most renowned Karate organisation, with members in over 100 countries. It is the only Karate entity recognised by the Japanese government as an association for the promotion of Karate. More importantly, it is the guardian of Karate's highest traditions, preserving the essence and spirit of the art in line with the principles of Bushido (the way of the samurai).
The JKA's mission is to spread the practice of Karate globally while maintaining its original philosophical foundations, which has been its goal since its inception in 1949.
What sort of Karate does the JKA teach?
The JKA is widely recognised as the inheritor of the Shōtōkan Karate tradition established by Supreme Master Funakoshi Gichin, and teaches a highly refined version of the Shōtōkan style of Karate. In Australia, JKA/WF AUSTRALIA is the primary organization that governs this.
What is the Shōtōkan style of Karate?
Shōtōkan Karate is one of the most popular and traditional forms of Karate practiced around the world today, it was introduced to Japan from Okinawa by Master Funakoshi Gichin. The focus of this style is on Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring) which helps to develop a wide range of powerful and dynamic techniques.
The name "Shōtōkan" comes from "Shoto", which was the pen name used by Master Funakoshi when writing poetry. The JKA has further refined the Shōtōkan style, creating a unique variation of its own.
The effectiveness of this style has been repeatedly proven through the JKA's numerous champions in All Japan and international Karate tournaments.
What is the JKA’s philosophy of Shōtōkan Karate?
The JKA's approach to Karate is not just as a sport or competition, but as a lifestyle rooted in Bushido. True Karate training encompasses the development of the whole person - mind, body and spirit. Through dedicated practice, the mental and physical aspects of Karate are brought together, resulting in natural, effortless movement and the cultivation of confidence, humility, open-mindedness and peace that can only be achieved through the perfect harmony of body and mind. This is the fundamental teachings of Zen, the foundation of Bushido, and the cornerstone of the JKA's Karate philosophy.
Can anyone practice Shōtōkan Karate?
Absolutely! The only essential requirement for learning Karate is a dedicated and consistent willingness to work hard and train with patience. With that commitment and focus set in place, Karate is accessible to everyone - regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.
Do I need to be in excellent physical shape to start Karate?
Not necessarily. The focus of JKA is on the basics and proper form, which allows beginners to train alongside more experienced individuals while still progressing at their own fitness and skill level. As you continue to practice Karate, it will naturally improve your overall fitness, regardless of your starting point. Even if you are not in peak physical condition, your progress at the beginning may be slower, but as your fitness improves, so will the rate at which you advance in your Karate training.
What is expected of me if I join?
As a member of JKA, it is expected that you will be dedicated to your Karate training and attend classes regularly. This means putting in maximum effort during practice and showing respect, humility, and courtesy as part of Karate's long-standing tradition. Additionally, you are expected to fulfill your financial obligations, such as paying membership dues and other fees.
What will training involve?
A typical Karate practice session usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training exercises. The exercises are divided into three main categories:
- Kihon (basic techniques), in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc. of Karate
- Kata (forms), in which you practice and physically remember the various Kihon learned
- Kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent.
As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and degree of the exercises. Of course, there will also be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette, and the more philosophical aspects of Karate.
What are the Physical benefits of traditional Karate training?
Some of the the Physical benefits of Shōtōkan Karate include:
- Cardiovascular health: Karate training includes a combination of cardio and strength training, which helps to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
- Strength and muscle development: Karate requires the use of large muscle groups, which helps to build muscle mass and improve overall strength.
- Coordination and balance: Karate training requires coordination and balance, which helps to improve overall body control and stability.
- Flexibility and range of motion: Karate training includes a variety of movements that help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints.
- Resilience and injury prevention: Karate training helps to develop the body's resilience and can help to prevent injuries by improving balance, stability and body control.
- Hand-eye coordination: Karate training improves hand-eye coordination, which can help with everyday activities and sports.
- Speed and power: Karate training includes speed and power drills that help to improve reaction time and explosive power.
What are the Mental benefits of traditional Karate training?
Some of the the Mental benefits of Shōtōkan Karate include:
- Discipline and focus: Karate training requires discipline and focus, which helps to improve self-control and mental focus.
- Patience and perseverance: Karate training can be challenging, which helps to develop patience and perseverance.
- Stress relief: Karate training can be a powerful stress reliever, as it requires intense concentration, helping to clear the mind and provide a sense of calm.
- Self-confidence: Karate training can help to build self-confidence, as students learn to master new techniques and improve their physical abilities.
- Problem-solving and decision-making: Karate training requires quick thinking, which helps to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Teamwork and socialisation: Karate training often involves training with a group of people, which helps to improve teamwork and socialization skills.
- Mental and emotional balance: Karate training helps to develop mental and emotional balance by teaching control over thoughts and emotions.
- Self-awareness and self-knowledge: Karate training can promote self-awareness and self-knowledge, helping you to understand your own strengths and weaknesses.
What are the Spiritual benefits of traditional Karate training?
Some of the the Spiritual benefits of Shōtōkan Karate include:
- Inner peace: Karate training can help to cultivate inner peace by teaching control over thoughts, emotions and reactions.
- Self-control and self-discipline: Karate training requires self-control and self-discipline in order to master the techniques and practice regularly.
- Confidence: Karate training can help to build confidence by teaching students to master their body and mind.
- Mental and emotional balance: Karate training helps to develop mental and emotional balance by teaching control over thoughts and emotions.
- Humility: Karate training emphasizes humility and respect, which helps to foster a sense of humility and respect for oneself and others.
- Mindfulness: Karate training can be a form of mindfulness practice as it requires intense concentration and focus on the present moment.
- Sense of purpose: Karate training can provide a sense of purpose, as students work towards mastering the techniques and improving their physical and mental abilities.
- Sense of belonging: Karate training often involves training with a group of people, which can help to create a sense of belonging and community.
How long does it take to learn Karate?
The progress in Karate depends on the individual's dedication and practice. The more you practice, the more you will improve - for a lifetime. There is no limit to mastering Karate, no final destination to reach. However, there are benchmarks along the way.
In the JKA system, students progress through a series of belt levels (9th Kyu to 1st Kyu) and after that, receive a Black Belt, and continue to progress through 9 degrees of black belt (1st Dan to 10th Dan). A student with no prior training joins JKA as 9th Kyu and is eligible to take ranking examinations every 3-4 months of training. The 1st Dan requires a minimum of 3 years of consistent training, and it takes several years to attain each subsequent Dan.
At higher levels, Karate is not just something to be learned but something to be lived and this journey takes a lifetime.
Do I have to wear a Karate uniform?
Eventually, yes. Karate uniforms (dogi) can be ordered from us at Online Stock Order. If you need further clarification or want to do some homework, check out this article on Buying A Karate Uniform. Otherwise, inquire at our dojo for more details.
