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Karate is a form of self defence using punching, kicking, and open hand techniques; sometimes even, joint locks, restraints, and throws are also used to disable the opponent. Karate teaches the student self defence moves by the use of the hips and stances to generate striking power, and by controlled breathing to focus power, there is also a practice of prearranged moves called katas. Karate is a great way to keep fit, improve your physical and mental health, build self esteem, and gain self confidence; it can be learnt from any age with many people starting to learn in their 50's. Karate training is typically done in what’s called a Dojo and training sessions typically last for an hour. It starts with the students lining up in order of experience with the most experienced person at the front left side with the least experienced on the back row right side. Training usually begins with a warm up session lasting 15 minutes and focuses on stretching and loosening up exercises. Following this the training is normally split into two elements Kata and Kumite. Kata Kata are sequences of prearranged moves of punches, blocks, and steps. As you might expect, beginners are expected to learn a relatively simple kata, as students move to a higher level the katas moves become longer and increasingly difficult. Kumite Kumite is Karate's form of fighting, or sparring. Karate Clubs restrict the Kumite for beginners to set forms and typically start off learning `three-step' sparring, where the opponents take turns to attack and defend. The same attack and defence is usually repeated three times. Even when the student becomes more advanced full contact is normally not allowed Grading Grading examinations are events in which your skill at karate is tested. If you pass your grading, your club will award you with a belt of a different colour. Usually the grading will be marked by someone from the governing body, to ensure that the club adheres to the grading standards of that body. Grading take place after the student has had at least 30 lessons and at least 3 months have passed since the last |