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