Karate training is not just a method of self-defense but is also a method of character development. Starting kids at this training educates them physically, socially and mentally.

Karate Training – Being Physically and Mentally Fit

Like any martial art, karate training is learning the skills used in the art and using those techniques to disarm or disable an opponent. It involves kicks, blocks, punches and strikes. It is not just a way to be skilled in unarmed combat or self-defense but also focuses on being physically fit and strong and mentally alert. Karate training is offered and practiced by people regardless of their gender or age. For children, it is also a way to develop their motor skills and build their character by teaching them about respect, empathy and responsibility. Activities involved in such training dwell on coordination and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Karate Class – Learning the Skills

Enrolling in a karate class starts with warm up exercises to encourage flexibility and avoid injury when doing actual karate-do. Once students have loosened up their muscles, they are taught how to deliver the straight, reverse and stepping punches as well as the jab. They are likewise taught how to properly execute the different kinds of blocking using different postures. Paired with the various skills are the different stances such as the informal attention stance and the rooted stance. To practice on the basic positions learned in karate class and apply them to different situations, students are then taught close quarter combat defense, choking, grappling, joint manipulations, striking and preventing the use of such techniques on you.

Karate Styles – Emphasizing Techniques

There are many karate styles that are taught by instructors. Some are emphasized by certain instructors for their techniques while others prefer a certain style based on the students’ level. A particular karate style, like chito-ryu, focuses on contracting muscles in the lower part of the body for added strength and stability. Goju-ryu features both hard and soft techniques and requires breathing correctly in all the forms or katas embraced by this style. Gosoku-ryu is a combination of the Gojo-ryu and Shotokan or the hard techniques of Shotokan and the speed of Gojo-ryu. Isshin-ryu integrates techniques that can be found in the Gojo-ryu, Shorin-ryu and the kobudo which feature certain ways of punching, blocking and kicking.