LEARNING KARATE

Karate, Japanese for 'Open Hand', has probablybeyond through the other 9 dan adept stages, they
become the best known martial art in the west,will have to totally dedicate their lives to the task.
apart from Kung-fu, since the 1930's. However, itsVirtually to the exclusion of all else!
complex developmental history spanning over 14Not for the dilettante, karate demands from its
centuries has produced a bewildering plethora ofpractitioners total commitment. Just consider what
styles.has to be assimilated: firstly, around 200 Japanese
From karate's humble origins in the Chinese form ofterms for the various moves and blows constituting
Shao Lin Boxing known as kempo, initially, an integralthe kata, or stylized systems of exercise, and then
part of monastic training, and, subsequently, aof course, to master all their constituent jumps,
defensive form of unarmed combat againstkicks, jabs, chops, blocks, and blows; secondly, to
marauding bandits; through its refinement in Okinawa;become proficient in the exercise of the big 4:
its Japanese introduction in 1922; and USstrength, speed, technique, and co-ordination. Not
implementation in the 1930's, at least 28 differentforgetting powerful, linear attacks, and deft angular
styles (not counting Korean Taekwon-do) have nowmovements. Accompanied by the perfection of a
resulted.finely-honed sense of timing, persistent alertness, and
These stylistic differences, applicable to family pride,all-round awareness, and the ability to evoke surprise;
contending dojos' affiliations with different senseis'thirdly, the strengthening of, and becoming
(masters) techniques, and national idiosyncrasies,impervious to pain in the striking surfaces and impact
have been somewhat resolved, and a modicum ofpoints i.e. hands, fists, knuckles, elbows, and
uniformity attained through adherence to the stylisedforearms, feet, heels, and knees through various
set of movements known as kata. Althoughexercises involving striking sand, gravel, wood,
international competitions still remain impractical.sandbags and the like; fourthly, honing the body and
So what are the implications for the aspirant karatereflexes to super-fit standard by constant exercise
trainee with this plethora of styles? Total confusion,and co-ordinated breathing exercises, not forgetting
perhaps? No, thankfully, the internet's informationthe requisite solar-plexus originating cries and shouts
consolidation has provided access to the contendingto disorientate the opponent; finally to learn all the
schools' websites, and, best of all, to centralizedpressure points and other vulnerable target areas of
websites like Karate CyberDojo and others of athe body, whilst simultaneously pulling the punches,
similar ilk. These provide accessible databases,and not hitting below the belt!
translation services, feedback forums, and clubThat's just the physical side, the moral fibre then has
recommendations, considerably facilitating theto be developed through learning self-discipline,
aspirant's decision-making process.keeping your cool, self-confidence, one-pointed
OK, that's one problem solved, now for the reallymental focus, courtesy and attention to ritual. Still
difficult one. The student trying to learn karate willwant to become a karate expert?
rapidly find out that, to acquire proficiency viaSEO Solutions and one way link publicity services
karate's graduation through white, green, purple,provided by LinkAcquire.
brown, and black belts (the first dan stage), and