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Gichin Funakoshi |
1868-1957 |
Founder of the Shotokan system |
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Shotokan Tiger Traditional Emblem |
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Karate |
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| WHAT IS KARATE-DO? |
Karate 空手 is a martial art developed from Chinese kung fu in particular, Southern Shaolin and indigenous fighting methods from the Ryūkyū Islands. It is primarily a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes. Open-handed techniques, grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are also taught. A karate practitioner is called a karateka.
`Kara' is the Japanese word for empty, while `te' means hand. `Do' translates as way or path. So Karate-Do can be interpreted as The Way of The Empty Hand. Karate itself is a weapon less means of defence.
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| WHY KARATE? |
| The hard physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promote overall good health, fitness and well being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident, disciplined and determined character. Karate is also a means of developing friendship and as a self defence it is one of the most effective of all the martial arts. |
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| WHAT DOES KARATE TRAINING INVOLVE? |
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Karate training is structured into three main categories - Kihon, Kata and Kumite Basic techniques, set combinations and fighting. Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced to you as basic blocking and counter attacking, but will ultimately lead you to freestyle fighting, where you will be taught to attack, and defend against unannounced attacks. |
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| IS KARATE DANGEROUS? |
| Karate is by definition dangerous, it is a system of kicking and striking in order to defend oneself. However, Karate is based on respect, discipline and awareness. Lessons always begin with a full warm up to reduce any strains and muscular injuries. During classes students are closely supervised at all times and taught accordingly to their level and experience. Occasionally people can get the odd minor bump or bruise. |
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CAN ANYONE DO IT? |
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| Karate is for everyone and can be practised by men, women and children. Students can range from five years of age upwards. Anyone, who is in reasonable health, can train in Karate. Karate improves the student's health, self awareness, confidence and self esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in behaviour and concentration of children who train regularly at the club. Everyone receives the same training although the instructor will not demand the same level of endurance. Everyone's training is with oneself and the instructor only expects the best that you can achieve. |
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| HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET BLACK BELT? |
| Students can take regular examinations after set periods of training. Students can generally achieve black belt standard in 4-5 years with regular and correct training. |
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| HOW GOOD IS KARATE FOR FITNESS? |
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Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate incorporates the use of the entire body in which legs, hips, spine, shoulders and arms are co-ordinated to develop balance, flexibility, poise, speed, strength and stamina. No other form of training uses as many parts of the body to such an extent. Karate is not seasonal and so one's condition can be maintained throughout the year. Karate becomes more interesting and rewarding as you progress, without any limit. Even after decades of training, students will still be learning and improving their techniques. |
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| WHO WILL TEACH ME? |
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The main instructor at SMA is Steve Goodhand an experienced teacher. Who is aided by assistant instructors and visting instructors who all have different areas of expertise and martial history (everything from Judo to Boxing). |
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| WHAT DO I NEED TO START? |
| Karate students train in what's known as a Gi (Karate suit). However, for your first half a dozen lessons, tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt will suffice. I.e. loose clothing that enables free movement of your arms and legs. A Karate Gi can be purchased from the club at anytime. |
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| WHAT ARE THE CLUB'S AND ASSOCIATION'S ADVANTAGES? |
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As a member of the SMA you'll will also be a member of BNMA one of the largest martial art govering bodies in the country.
Benefits include
• Quality control through the British National Martial Arts Association.
• Nationally recognised Dan and Kyu grading's.
• Regular access to competition including local inter-club and nationals (including UKNAS)
• Regular access to training sessions with visiting instructors.
• A variety of training techniques covering all areas of combat.
• Nationally recognised qualified instructors with CRB certificates and comprehensive liability insurance.
• Martial arts club libilities insurance (2million), lawfully allowing martial arts training.
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