Karate is an ancient martial art that originated on the island of Okinawa in Japan. The word karate actually means "hand," and while punching and striking are important components of karate, kicking and knee strikes also important elements that students will learn during their training.
While the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom began practicing karate in the early 14th century, the martial art was not really introduced to mainland Japan until about 1910. In 1924, the first karate club was created at Keio University and within 10 years, most universities had karate clubs. The first karate school or dojo in the United States opened in 1945. Americans began learning the skills of karate in Okinawa during World War II and brought the art to the United States.
Of course, karate is not just one specific martial art. There are actually more than one dozen styles of karate to consider learning. Shotokan karate is perhaps the most common you will find and this was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. However, one could opt to learn Kyokushin karate or perhaps Wado-ryu or even Shuri-ryu, which was actually developed in the United States and not in Japan.
As you probably know, as you progress in your study of karate, you work to earn different levels of belts. In order to reach each new belt, certain skills must be mastered. Beginners have a white belt, and these students are working toward earning a yellow belt. From there, the progression moves from orange to green, and then you attempt to earn a purple belt, a brown belt, a red belt and with much hard work and commitment, a black belt. There are also degrees of black belts for those who continue to progress in the art.
While it's always encouraged to work hard and move up in the ranks of belts, karate is not just about earning belts or fighting. Many people confuse martial arts with aggression, and certainly one will learn how to fight during karate training. However, the goal is not aggression but self-control and self-defense. The focus is on improving your mental focus, self-confidence and overall physical condition. Karate teaches discipline and teaches one to respect yourself and others.
For those seeking a school of martial arts in Carlsbad or a school of martial arts in Encinitas, Team Mai might be just what you need. Students from age four and up are welcome to take classes, and the focus is always on learning respect, improving discipline and instilling a sense of confidence in each student. Through karate classes, your child will learn crucial self-defense skills as well as improving their physical ability and improving their overall self-esteem.
While the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom began practicing karate in the early 14th century, the martial art was not really introduced to mainland Japan until about 1910. In 1924, the first karate club was created at Keio University and within 10 years, most universities had karate clubs. The first karate school or dojo in the United States opened in 1945. Americans began learning the skills of karate in Okinawa during World War II and brought the art to the United States.
Of course, karate is not just one specific martial art. There are actually more than one dozen styles of karate to consider learning. Shotokan karate is perhaps the most common you will find and this was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. However, one could opt to learn Kyokushin karate or perhaps Wado-ryu or even Shuri-ryu, which was actually developed in the United States and not in Japan.
As you probably know, as you progress in your study of karate, you work to earn different levels of belts. In order to reach each new belt, certain skills must be mastered. Beginners have a white belt, and these students are working toward earning a yellow belt. From there, the progression moves from orange to green, and then you attempt to earn a purple belt, a brown belt, a red belt and with much hard work and commitment, a black belt. There are also degrees of black belts for those who continue to progress in the art.
While it's always encouraged to work hard and move up in the ranks of belts, karate is not just about earning belts or fighting. Many people confuse martial arts with aggression, and certainly one will learn how to fight during karate training. However, the goal is not aggression but self-control and self-defense. The focus is on improving your mental focus, self-confidence and overall physical condition. Karate teaches discipline and teaches one to respect yourself and others.
For those seeking a school of martial arts in Carlsbad or a school of martial arts in Encinitas, Team Mai might be just what you need. Students from age four and up are welcome to take classes, and the focus is always on learning respect, improving discipline and instilling a sense of confidence in each student. Through karate classes, your child will learn crucial self-defense skills as well as improving their physical ability and improving their overall self-esteem.
About the Author:
Leigh Metopher enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For more information about martial arts San Marcos classes, or to find karate Carlsbad programs, please check out the Team MAI website now.
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