Learn Karate

Learn Karate Online Shomen and Hanmi

2011-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Shomen and hanmi are basic fundamentals within the shotokan karate system, although there are many interpretations of shomen and hanmi.

Shomen (square facing). Oizuki (stepping punch) and gyaku zuki (reverse punch) are both performed with the body and hips in the square position (shomen).

Hanmi (side facing). All the basic blocks plus kizami zuki (jab punch), are performed with the body and hips in the side facing position (hanmi).

Here is a shomen hanmi video which has a good exercise for developing this important area.

Karate Stances Kokutsu dachi Back stance

2011-07-04T03:52:00.000-07:00

Kokutsu dachi or back stance, is one of the first karate stances you learn in shotokan karate. this is a difficult stance and many people struggle, on a more positive note, people basically make the same mistakes. Below is a quick video explaining this shotokan stance, for a more detailed explanation, follow this link for kokutsu dachi.

Jyu Ippon Kumite Tai Sabaki and Ikken Hissatsu

2011-05-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Jyu ippon kumite is a very powerful shotokan karate exercise, if done properly! If done incorrectly, it can be down right dangerous. There are many types of jyu ippon kumite, in the video below we show basic jyu ippon kumite from a stationary jyu kamae. Karate classes all over the world have jyu ippon in their karate dojo curriculum.

Learn Karate At Home & Hit Things!!!!!

2011-05-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Many karateka never hit anything, they go through their whole life, punching and kicking thin air! This is not good. If you are trying to learn karate at home, or even looking to learn karate online, a striong piece of advice that i can give you, would be to get yourself a punch bag, start slowly, but then eventually you will be hitting the bag like a pro! Bag work is a great karate exercise, great for fitness, stamina, speed, strength and timing and did i mention that it's great fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shotokan karate Kata Jion (Temple)

2011-05-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

Jion is an intermediate shotokan karate kata. Some karate dojo have this kata as one of the required kata when attempting black belt 1st dan (shodan). Jion is a very basic kata, which also has a few tricky combinations. This kata is very direct and dynamic.

Jion (translates as: "Temple" or "Temple of love and goodness")

Learn karate Gyaku zuki Three Karate Moves in One!

2011-04-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Gyakuzuki or reverse punch is one of the basic karate moves, but contained within gyakuzuki are two other powerful strikes, they are 1. ura zuki (upper cut) and 2 tate zuki (vertical punch). if you are practicing gyaku zuki correctly, these two extra karate techniques will come easily.

Learning Karate – How to Kill Or How to Live?

2011-03-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

The founder of shotokan karate, master Gichin Funakoshi, said, ‘The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants’.

Other Karate sensei preach Ikken Hissatsu (To kill or finish with one blow), which is correct?

I once witnessed a no rules fight between two karateka (someone who practices karate) and there was a referee. One of the karateka wore his karate suit, the other just shorts and you could tell that the fighter wearing shorts had trained in other disciplines.
The guy in the karate uniform had a look that I can only describe as ‘monk like’, he looked very calm and relaxed. The guy in the shorts looked like a wild animal who had not eaten for a week.
This is what I saw.
At the start of the fight the fighter in the shorts (let us refer to him as ‘shorts’), took up a balanced stance, both hands up and open, chin down.
The fighter in the karate uniform (let us refer to him as ‘karate suit’), put all his weight on his back leg, arms out to the side and half closed his eyes, like he was meditating. I knew what was going to happen, but part of me hoped it would not.
Shorts launched himself at karate suit, who remember, had all his weight on his back leg. I remember karate suit trying to do a pathetic kick off his front leg, shorts hit him so hard and fast, they both hit the deck hard, while they were falling, shorts was still throwing these wild punches, all targeted to karate suits head, once they hit the floor, shorts continued a barrage of wild swinging punches, as each punch connected, shorts eyes opened wider, he could smell blood and he was going in for the kill!
There was blood everywhere and karate suit was asleep, if it was not for the referee, karate suit would probably be dead, because shorts had no intention of stopping.
So the ref stepped in and saved karate suit, shorts was still trying to kill karate suit as the ref pulled him off, shorts then proceeded to run around screaming and punching his fists into the air, he reminded me of one of the zombies out of the movie, ’24 days later’ (of course, modern day zombies are not like they were, they now move with the speed of Usain Bolt!)
Five minutes later shorts was still out of control, eyes wide and rolling, body pumped and breathing heavy. At the same time, our friend had started to come around, he was sitting, but unable to stand.
So which fighter would you rather be?
Neither! I hope you shouted. I would like to think I have the animal instinct of shorts and the ‘monk like’ attitude of karate suit, but someone like the great Randy Couture has taken this to a whole new level, that man is in control!
After all, what is the point of having a Ferrari California, if you cannot keep it on the road?

If you are looking to learn karate online, then supplement your karate training with these free online videos, karate lessons for beginners. http://karateclassesonline.com

Learn Karate Online A basic Elbow Combination Empi Uchi

2011-03-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to learn karate online, it is absolutely essential that you master the basic karate moves. Some of these basic karate moves are striking with the elbows. There is a video below, which is a sample video from the online karate dojo at karate classes online.com

Basic Empi Uchi Kihon Combination

1. Starting with the left leg in front, extend the front (left) arm forward and start to step with the right leg. Keep the right fist in the hikite position at the side of the body, until you are just about to land, then just as you land, throw the first elbow strike, mawashi empi. Be sure to keep the right fist close to the body throughout the strike. Finish with the back of the right fist facing up, in the centre of the chest and the body in the hanmi (side facing) position.

2. Strike with a left Age empi, once again keep the fist close to the body throughout this karate move. Drive from the back (left) leg and rotate the hips and body into the shomen (square facing) position, the age empi and body rotation should finish at the same time. At the completion of the strike, the palm of the left fist should be facing the ear.

3. Next comes the yoko empi. Bring the right arm under the left age empi arm, with the palm of the right open hand facing up, drive from the back (left) leg and make a small distance forward with the right leg. You are now going to move from zenkutsu dachi (front stance) into Kiba dachi (horse riding stance), at exactly the same time you land with the right leg, strike yoko empi with the right elbow. On completion of this karate technique, the back of the right fist should be facing up.

4. The last strike is ushiro empi. From kiba dachi, pull the left leg accross and up slightly (as in the video), rotate the body strongly then as the body finishes the rotation and the left foot stops, strike ushiro empi. If the elbow is high, the back of the fist should be pointing up and if the elbow is low, the palm of the fist should be facing up, as in the hikite position.

Obviously this is a very basic elbow combination, but it will get you used to striking close to your own body, which is uncomfortable for a lot of karateka. Don’t forget to check out our Special $1 Trial offer.

How to Learn Karate - A Basic Distancing Karate Exercise

2011-03-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

When a karateka firsts starts to learn karate, distancing can be a real problem. Now this video clip below taken from karate classes online dojo, is not a beginners karate exercise, but is still relatively basic.

A basic distance karate exercise, with the attacker using, kizami zuki (jabbing punch), gyaku zuki (reverse punch) and oi zuki (stepping punch). Defender counters with kizami mawashi geri (front leg round house kick), kizami yoko geri kekomi (front leg side thrust kick) and ushiro geri (back kick).

Karate Philosophy The Difference Between A Man of Do (The Way) and a Little Man

2011-03-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, my sensei told me a story,

A student once asked his sensei, "What is the difference between a man of Do (the way) and a little man?"

The sensei replies, "It is simple. When the little man receives his first dan black belt, he can hardly wait to run home and shout at the top of his voice to tell everyone that he has obtained his first dan. Upon receiving his second dan, he will climb to the rooftops and shout to the people. Upon receiving his third dan black belt, he will jump in his car and parade through town blowing the horn, telling one and all about his third dan".

The sensei continues, "When the man of Do (the way) receives his first dan, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon receiving his second dan, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon receiving his third dan, he will bow at the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him".

karatedo

In this materialistic world, karate-ka who follow the way, are few, but to me, the above story epitomises a good martial artisit. The older I get, the more I realise, character is everything!

Ossu
Linden Huckle

A Karate Seminar With Sensei Randolph Williams 6th Dan

2011-02-25T01:40:00.000-08:00

Zanshin black belt academy recently hoste a karate seminar with Sensei Randolph Williams 6th dan KUGB.

Everyone who attended really enjoyed the karate classes. The first karate class focused on suri ashi (sliding step), with punching and sweeping techniques. The video explains all below, but Sensei was explaining to the under 21 blck belts, that a slight change of direction can set your opponent up for a very powerful sweep. The video below shows two combinations using suri ashi and Sensei Williams explains this sudden change of direction and takedown. Part 2 coming soon. Zanshin MKD would like to thank Sensei Williams for a fantastic karate seminar and look forward to his next vist.

Karate Techniques Jabbing Punch or Kizami Tsuki

2011-02-13T02:42:00.000-08:00

Boxers place tremendous emphasise on the jab, Kizami zuki or jabbing punch, is an extremely important karate technique, one which some karateka really perfect and seem to have unbelievable speed. Kizami zuki is the closest weapon to an opponent and the fastest to deliver. Karate dojo should really focus on this punch, as it is not only simple, but can be extremely effective.

Learning Karate At Home - Kizami Mawashi Geri

2011-02-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

A front leg round house training exercise, covering close, medium and long range. This karate exercise can be practiced with a partner, by yourself or on a punchbag. Kicking with the front leg builds a strong supporting leg, which is very important, in all kicks. For some free karate moves on video visit http://karateclassesonline.com

JKA Kumite With Master Keinosuke Enoeda and Master Hirokazu Kanazawa

2011-01-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

JKA shotokan karate masters, Keinosuke Enoeda and Hirokazu Kanazawa in kumite action, amazing martial arts skill from these karate masters. These two karate sensei have inspired thousands if not millions of people to follow the karate way. shotokan karate. today, is where it is, because of many great masters, but the contribution these two karate masters have made in the shotokan world, should not be underestimated. Their karate will live on, long after they have left this world. Ossu!!!!

Karate Kata Video Niseishi

2010-11-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

This is a karate kata video of niseishi which means '24 steps'

The history of Niseishi is unclear, but many believe that it originates from one of the Chinese "Dragon" kung fu styles. Master Gichin Funakoshi changed the kata and the name to nijushiho. The Shotokan karate version of this kata is very dynamic and athletic in it's execution, relying on very long movements and stances, whereas the original niseishi has much shorter stances and karate moves within the kata.

Niseishi has moto dachi which is like a mini front stance, neko ashi dachi (cat stance), shiko dachi (diagonal straddle stance) and Heisoku Dachi. Toes & heels together, (closed foot stance).

Learning Karate From Shihan Minakami

2010-10-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

Shihan Akio Minakami 8th Dan recently conducted several UK karate seminars, people traveled from all over the UK to train with this amazing karate master.

Shihan Minakami focused on basic karate moves, especially choku zuki or straight punch, everybody loved his unique teaching style and ability to get his very advanced karate concepts accross to not only the black belts, but also the junior grade karateka.

All the members at Biggleswade karate club are looking forward to Shihan’s next visit and hope to someday resemble their karate master in technique and character.

learning Karate - Kizami zuki or Jabbing Punch

2010-09-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

Kizami zuki or jabbing punch is a a karate move using the front arm. Several versions to practice -
1. From zenkutsu dachi (front stance), punch with the front arm, leave the punch out, making sure you have a strong hikite.
2. From zenkutsu dachi (front stance), punch with the front arm, snap the punch back, making sure you have a strong hikite, which also snaps back strongly to jyu kamae.
3. From jyu kamae or fighting stance, keep your guard up and punch with the lead arm, similar to a boxers jab, with no hikite.

Master Gichin Funakoshi Video

2010-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

The great master Gichin Funakoshi, the whole world needs more people like him! Karate for life was his philosophy, but more importantly, karate for a better life!

Karate begins and ends with respect
Master Gichin Funakoshi

Video of the Hombu Dojo (Central Barrack) of the J.K.A. Shotokan

2010-08-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

Video of the Hombu Dojo (Central Barrack) of the J.K.A. Shotokan of Ebisu, Tokyo. In where one sees the training of the Karate Do. At the end of the video we will see to one of the Senseis reciting the Dojo Kun (Morality of the Dojo and rules of the Karate Do).

Video del Hombu Dojo (Cuartel central) de la J.K.A. Shotokan de Ebisu, Tokyo. En dónde se ve el entrenamiento del Karate Do. Al final del video veremos a uno de los Senseis recitando el Dojo Kun (Moral del Dojo y preceptos del Karate Do).

Video des Hombu Dojo (Central Barrack) der JKA Shotokan von Ebisu, Tokyo. In denen sieht man das Training der Karate-Do. Am Ende des Videos werden wir zu einem der Senseis Dojo Rezitation des Kun (Moral des Dojo und Regeln des Karate Do sehen).

Karate At Home With The JKS And Takashi Yamaguchi, 6 Dan.

2010-07-30T15:16:00.001-07:00

The videos below are all about the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) and sensei Takashi Yamaguchi, 6 Dan.

Learn Karate Kata Like They Used To!

2010-06-05T01:28:00.000-07:00

The manner by which karate is studied today, is quite different to the way karate was put to use on Okinawa, during the late 19th and early 20th century. My karate sensei explained to us that karateka on the island of Okinawa used to practice lots of kata and kata applications. The karateka on Okinawa would attack with very strong techniques that would test their partner to the limits and test their kata defences.

Although they are few, there are still karate dojo that only practice kata, then partner up in the karate dojo and attack and defend using only the karate kata techniques.

When first learning a karate kata, practice one karate move at a time, at this stage, do not worry about the applications of each move, what we are trying to do here, is simply learn the order of the techniques in the kata and be able to string them together. get so you can slowly get through the form, try and get the karate techniques, jumps, spins and turns in the right place.

So first, try and get the pattern of the kata and everything in the right place. Some karateka, once they know the karate techniques and pattern of a karate kata, believe they know the form and can move on, but this stage is only the first stage of many.

So now you have the order of the kata, it is time to start putting groups of moves together. If you have a kick, kick, grab, punch, it is probably a kata sequence. Take these four karate moves and practice them slowly, start trying to get the moves to flow, then start to speed things up, it is at this time you should start to learn the applications of each technique.

Every kata has it's own timing and rhythm, so check to make sure you have the combination of karate techniques right.

So now you should have the sequences down and understand the applications of each karate move, so speed up and really go for it!

Once you start putting all the different kata sequences together, get it so you can get through the whole karate kata slowly, keep the pattern and rhythm of each sequence, make sure it flows before you try and speed up.

Karate kata should be strong but not rigid, flowing but not weak. Many karateka fall into one or the other to strong or to weak.

The Japan Karate Association- Home Of Shotokan Karate

2010-05-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Japan Karate Association is the most authoritative and by far the largest karate organization in the world, the Keeper of Karate's Highest Tradition.

No other organizations approaches karate with greater intensity of purpose, or maintains such a large and dedicated professional staff of highly-trained, highly paid full-time instructors.

At the Japan Karate Association, karate is not merely a sport, it's a martial art whose aim is the harmonizing of mind and body for balance, strengh, perseverance, patience - for total confidence and self-mastery.

http://www.jka.or.jp/english/e_index.html

Shotokan karate kata bunkai video

2010-05-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sample kata bunkai taken from the karateclassesonline.com members area. learning karate kata bunkai or applications, is an important part of shotokan karate kata. This video clips shows samples taken from the heian kata series. heian shodan,heian nidan,heian sandan,heian yondan,heian godan.

Learn karate at home with online karate tutorials

2010-05-08T02:23:00.000-07:00

You can now learn karate at home with online karate tutorials, watch the quick video below, then go grab your free karate videos.

Kihon Kata or Taikyoku Shodan Karate Kata

2010-05-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Kihon kata or Taikyoku shodan is normally the first kata taught in shotokan karate dojo, although some karate dojo start with Heian Shodan first. This karate kata comprises of single block and punch karate moves. Only two karate moves are practiced, downward block (gedan barai) and stepping punch (oizuki).

Learning Karate - Age Uke - Upper Rising Block

2010-05-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Age uke or upper rising block is one of the first blocks practiced in karate. Normally used as defence against an over head attack, maybe with a blunt weapon. In the dojo karateka practice the block against a straight punch to the head, they do this to work on their timing and distance, some karate sensei teach age uke as an attack also.

Below is a sample tutorial video for Age Uke, for the rest of the series, please visit karate classes online

Shotokan Karate Kata Jion

2010-05-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Jion is an intermediate brown belt kata in most shotokan karate dojo, the kata comprises of mainly basic karate moves, but has some unusual additions, like the 3 fumikomi, tetsui attacks and the grab and punch moves at the end of the kata. Jion is a very strong kata and epitomises shotokan karate.

Learn Karate Online Kanazawa Shihan Demonstration

2010-04-14T01:41:00.000-07:00

SKIF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1985 Dussendorf Germany. Kumite demostration performed by Shihan Hirokazu Kanazawa 10th Dan

Learn karate at home with these free karate for beginners videos

Karate For Beginners - Maegeri tutorial

2010-03-03T00:25:00.001-08:00

The karate front snap kick or mae geri. This is the shotokan version of front kick.

Bassai Dai Shotokan Karate Kata

2010-02-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Bassai Dai translates as "To storm a fortress" and is practiced in many styles of karate. There are many variations of the original Passai, which was the original name for Bassai. It is believed that there were two versions of Passai practiced on Okinawa. Karate master, Sokon Matsumrua brought one Passai kata to Okinawa, from China and the other was taught to Okan Oyadomari on Okinawa, by a Chinese martial artist, who resided there. The one we are referring to here, is the shotokan Bassai Dai, which many believe came from the Okan Oyadomari lineage. In many shotokan karate dojo, Bassai dai is the first intermediate brown belt kata that a new brown belt karateka practices. Many shotokan karateka use Bassai dai to test for all their brown belt examinations and indeed, the coveted black belt test.Follow this link for a free Bassai Dai PDF tutorial ebook.

Learn Karate At Home - Choku Zuki

2010-02-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

When attending a karate for beginners class, one of the first karate moves taught is Chokuzuki or straight punch. The punch is practiced from heiko-dachi (natural stance), feet roughly shoulder width apart, toes facing forward, shoulders relaxed, crown of the head pushing up, stomach pushing down and chin pulled in. The weight should be evenly distributed over both legs. Try not to put the weight on the heels, instead the weight should be on the balls of the feet and big toes.

karate moves online - Gedan barai

2010-02-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

When someone first starts to learn karate, gedanbarai or downward block is one of the first blocks practiced in their karate classes. Before we start stepping with this block, we will first practice this block from shizentai or natural stance. In shizentai the feet are placed shoulder width apart, toes facing forward, shoulders relaxed.

Tekki Shodan Bunkai

2010-02-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Shotokan karate's Tekki Shodan. Some self defense kata applications. Tekki shodan is the kata required for 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) level.

Learn Karate - Master Mikio Yahara

2010-02-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

Video tribute to the legendary Master Mikio Yahara, I remember first training with Yahara sensei, he terrified me! His karate was electrifying, dynamic, innovative and ever evolving, but at the same time, he has kept the old tradition of Ikken Hisatsu (to finish with on blow)

Shotokan Bassai Dai Kata

2010-01-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

The legendary Master Hirokazu Kanazawa 10th dan, performing shotokan Bassai Dai kata (to storm a fortress). the original name for Bassai is Passai, master Gichin Funakoshi changed the name when Karate first went to Japan.

Bassai dai is the 3rd kyu testing kata in most shotokan karate groups.

Kihon Kata PDF

2010-01-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Grab a free download PDF of kihon kata or Taikyoku shodan. Kihon kata is normally the first shotokan karate kata practiced. But some karate classes start with Heian Shodan.

Go to shotokan kihon kata PDF and download for free!

Kihon Kata

shotokan karate kata 1

2010-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

The first kata practiced in most shotokan karate dojo, is Kihon kata. Take a look at this shotokan karate kata 1 PDF and kihon kata slide show. With karate lessons for beginners, if kihon kata is not the first kata, Heian shodan is first.

Learn Karate At Home

2010-01-07T02:40:00.000-08:00

Karate For Beginners - Shotokan Karate Video Basic Block Punch Combination

2010-01-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Learn karate at home with this basic block punch video below. If you are practicing karate at home, be sure to attend professional karate classes and receive tuition from a qualified karate sensei.

Karate For Beginners - Speed In Karate. How Important Is It?

2010-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

If you compete, semi contact, full contact or mixed martial arts, it's VERY important.

But as karatedo is a ‘self improvement’ journey, speed obviously isn't the most important element, as your only real opponent is yourself.

Some people are fast, some are not! But I do believe we can all get faster, through training.

Speed used to be a high priority in my training, I was always looking for new ways to increase my speed and I still think its an important part of karate for beginners practice.

As long as you go as fast as you can when practicing full speed, that's all that’s important.

The question is, ‘how do you get everyone in the dojo to move at THEIR full speed?’ Well I believe the answer is ‘encouragement’.

Some common phrases used by karate sensei are 'faster', 'more speed', 'that needs to be faster', 'to slow', ‘speed up’, etc.

But, these phrases when used correctly, as words of encouragement, rather than making karateka feel they are slow, is the right way.

We all want to feel good, gone are the days when a karate sensei could belittle students and expect them to bounce back stronger and I for one am glad those days have gone.

So if we all want to move as fast as we can at karate training, all we need, is a strong dojo with a good atmosphere, senior karateka with good attitudes and a sensei with the ability to bring the best out of their students.

Happy speed training!

Ossu
Linden
Biggleswade Karate Club

PS I'll finish with a classic quote from one of the best boxers ever!Muhammad Ali

'I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.' Muhammad Ali

Linden Huckle

Learn Karate Online - Do you Hit Things?

2009-12-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

When someone first looks at how to learn karate, self defense and fitness are normally the main reasons, but when first attending karate lessons for beginners, it should be remembered that karate is a striking art, even karate for beginners!

As karate is primarily a striking art, I have always believed in punch bag, focus pad, kick shield and makiwara, training.

You may disagree, but one of my primary objectives with new and experienced karateka, is to encourage them to hit fast and hard. Not only is this an essential part of a striking art, such as karate, it's also good fun!

I am still shocked at how many karateka are not training with, punch bags, focus pads or makiwara!

I do not practice Shotokan karate just for fighting, I love everything about karate, kata, kihon and kumite, if I wanted fighting I would join a MMA gym, they take the best fighting techniques from all the martial arts and put them to practical use in the ring or cage.

Our karate dojo is a traditional shotokan dojo and the majority of our training is the three k's, kata, kihon and kumite. But we do use focus pads and kick shields quite regularly and everyone at our dojo enjoys pad training.
Take boxing, a very physical sport, the fighter everyone fears, is the fighter that can knock people out, fighters like this are obviously the most dangerous ones to fight.

Lets put it another way, you have a choice, you can fight boxer number 1. He has one all his last 10 fights on points, he is technically very skillful. Or you can fight boxer number 2. she has only won 6 of her last 10 fights, all 6 of the wins were by knockout in the first 3 rounds. (notice how I use he and she, if I didn't, my wife would ground and pound me while I was sleeping)

Which one would you prefer to fight? I know which one I would rather fight and it isn't number 2!

If you don't strike pads or bags, I encourage you to do so, not only will it help your karate, it's great fun!

Ossu
Linhuck

"Why waltz with a guy for 10 rounds if you can knock him out in one?"
Rocky Marciano Quote

Learn Karate At Home - What grade are you?

2009-12-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

What Karate Dan Grade Are You?

When people ask me what karate Dan grade I am, I always respond with the same answer, DESPERATE DAN!
Many years ago, in ancient China, oh! Sorry, I’m getting carried away here. I'll start that again, several years ago I attended a seminar in London, England, there was a selection of Japanese Karate masters, all were brilliant.
There were hundreds of Karate practitioners, all ages and all grades. The Dojo captain shouted, 'Line up' and we all moved to where we thought our Karate Dan grade equivalents would be standing.
I remember looking towards the top of the line and there were some awesome Karate legends in the line, Terry O'neill, Bob Poynton and several others. There was also a group of very senior looking Karateka, their black belts were extremely worn, they had a certain look of authority about them, but they also looked worried and were standing down near the 1st and 2nd Dans.

The karate training began, warm up and stretch lasted maybe 20 minutes, then onto Kihon (basics), the theme of the seminar was to be a particular Kata (form). I will refrain from mentioning the Kata being taught, because a lot of karate seniors will know what seminar I am referring to, because they were probably on it, not that I’m saying they were the group I am going to talk about, because there were some hot Karateka on the course. I later realized that these paper martial artists were only on the course because it was a Kata seminar, if it had been Kumite (fighting), they would definitely have stayed at home.

I was near this group of what I thought were senior karate instructors, I was still wondering why they were down my end of the Black belt lines when I suddenly noticed one of them execute a sort of, reverse punch, it was weak, slow and with about as much focus as my 1 year old son has, when he’s watching the CNN news channel.

I know what you’re thinking, why wasn’t I concentrating on my Karate, all I can say is SHOCK!
There was 5 or 6 senior karate instructors in the group and in my opinion, they were awful, nice guys, but their karate was of a very poor standard. I later found out that the lowest grade in the group was Godan (5th Dan). Now I’m not the best in the world but when my instructor packed his bags and moved away, he said to me, ‘Linden, always train with the best, because there’s a lot of s**t out there’. I now know what my instructor was talking about.

Now there is a point to this story, thank god I here you all say. Because of this event happening all those years ago when I was still a teenager, I decided wasn’t going to test ever again, what a PRATT I was, I stayed Nidan(2nd Dan) for 15 years because in my mind I thought the Karate ranking system was a joke.
A great karate man changed my mind, he said, ‘ It’s all about you! Do not worry what everyone else is doing, it’s what it means to you that’s important, now go and grade.

I now realize more than ever that Karate is a one man/woman journey, it’s your journey and I wish you the best of luck.

Ossu,
Linden Huckle The Karate Way

The Difference Between A Man of Do (The Way) and a Little Man

2009-12-24T02:33:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, my sensei told me a story,
A student once asked his sensei, "What is the difference between a man of Do (the way) and a little man?" The sensei replies, "It is simple. When the little man receives his first dan black belt, he can hardly wait to run home and shout at the top of his voice to tell everyone that he has obtained his first dan. Upon receiving his second dan, he will climb to the rooftops and shout to the people. Upon receiving his third dan black belt, he will jump in his car and parade through town blowing the horn, telling one and all about his third dan".
The sensei continues, "When the man of Do (the way) receives his first dan, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon receiving his second dan, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon receiving his third dan, he will bow at the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him".
In this materialistic world, karate-ka who follow the way, are few, but to me, the above story epitomises a good martial artisit. The older I get, the more I realise, character is everything!
Ossu

Linden Huckle
learn karate

Learn Karate at Home?

2009-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to learn karate at home? If you are thinking about starting karate, getting some online information, is a good idea. With some online tutorials, you will be able to understand what to expect if you attend a karate club.
But if you have some video instruction, I only recommend using them at the same time you attend classes conducted by a qualified karate instructor and the moves you practice, will be basics (kihon) or forms (kata).
Karate is an incredible art form that has developed over thousands of years of evolution giving us the karate we have today. There are thousands of karate for beginners classes starting every day, where people, young and old start to learn karate for the first time.
Karate classes usually start with a warm up, followed by a full body stretch. This alone is great for health and well being, keeping the body soft and supple is a fantastic thing, especially in your later years.
Next will come basic karate moves (kihon), blocking, punching, kicking, etc. These are practiced on the spot, or stepping forward, back and even at different angles in the many varied karate stances (dachi). These are the techniques you will be able to practice at home and get an idea of what karatedo (the way of karate) is all about.
So karate class training has the warm up and stretch, basics (kihon), next comes sparring (kumite). Now the word sparring is used loosely in karate because it usually means anytime you partner up to practice karate techniques. For example, you may partner up to practice a wrist grab and escape, this will be called kumite or sparring in the dojo (training hall). So try not to think that every time the word sparring (kumite) is used, you are going to partner up with a crazed black belt who is going to try and kill you!
After the warm up, basics and sparring, kata (forms) is usually practiced. Kata is a sequence of karate moves including, punches, kicks, strikes, jumps, spins, etc, that are strung together in a particular order, to create a pattern of techniques, similar to the gymnastics floor display.
To explain kata fully will need an article all on it's own, but to me kata is the most important element of karatedo. They say, kumite is the spirit of karate, but kata is the soul! And I agree.
So if you are practicing karate moves at home, trying to get a feel for karate, I wish you luck and urge you to attend a karate for beginners class as soon as possible. Good luck with your journey in the wonderful world that is karatedo! Ossu

Linden has been training and teaching karate for over 30 years and loves to share his knowledge and experiences in the martial arts. Supplement your dojo training with these free videos, karate lessons for beginners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linden_John

Karate Training Tips

2009-12-17T02:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some basic karate training tips to help with your practice of karatedo.
1. Relax. When someone first starts to learn karate, tension is everywhere. There is always tension in the mind and body with new karateka discovering how to learn karate. Try to relax, focus on technique at first, not speed and strength.
2. Breathing. A lot of time should be allocated to correct breathing during your karate classes. Concentrate on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Breathe in on the preparation of a karate move or transition between steps or moves and out on the techniques execution.
Breathing should be silent. Inhale using the lower stomach muscles, filling the lower part of the lungs first, when breathing out, try not to use the chest to breath.
There are different types of breathing that are practiced in karate, breathing in fast and out fast, breathing in slowly and out fast, breathing in fast and out slow and breathing in and out slowly. These different breathing techniques are mainly used in the practice of kata.
Being in control of your breathing will enable you to control your mind, if you can control your mind, you can control your body!
3. Start Slowly. Try not to rush when learning new karate moves. Getting the karate techniques right initially, will help stop bad habits forming.
Repetition plays a big part of all karate classes, so if you are making some bad mistakes in your technique, over time, you will become good at these mistakes! When this happens, the mistakes becomes very difficult to correct.

Linden has been training and teaching karate for over 30 years and loves to share his knowledge and experiences from the karate dojo. Supplement your karate training with these free online videos, karate lessons for beginners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linden_John

learn karate moves

2009-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Can one really learn karate moves online? Karate training is becoming very popular, but very few practice karate seriously and the people who do, learn karate at home along side their dojo training. Karate for beginners consists of very basic karate moves, advancing to combinations and advanced techniques.

Check out these free karate for beginners videos.

Karate For Kids

2009-11-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

My oldest child trains in karate and she loves it! She is only eight years old, but seems to pick the karate moves up faster than many of the adults.

Many parents ask, why learn karate?

To me, once you find a good karate club, it really is a no brainer. Fitness, self defense, confidence, flexibility, etc.

In this age of laziness, there is nothing better for kids than getting them to learn karate, in fact, there's nothing better for adults either.

Why Learn Karate?

2009-11-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Why Do I Practice Karate?

You must enjoy you training, as I have said before, life's short, make the most of it!

I do not practice karate just for fitness, fighting, character building, socialising, a hobby, or any of the many advertised reasons.

I love karate, I practice karate because I want too and because of a combination of all the above reasons.

Why do you eat chocolate? It's not because it's healthy, it's not because you have too, I would hope, it's because you like it, well, that's the same reason I practice karate.

If I just wanted fitness, I would join a gym, if I just wanted fighting, I would practice no holds barred fighting, if I just wanted character building, I would join a monastery, if I just wanted socialising, I would go clubbing and if I just wanted a hobby, I would choose an easy one!

I have had lots of people tell me why, for fitness, I should be doing this or that, for fighting, I should be doing this and that, I have been told I shouldn't be doing kata, because it doesn't help in a fight, but I don't care if it works or not. For character building I should do this. Linden you should do this, do that.

I say to most of them (in my mind, because I don't like to be rude), please go away, or words to that effect. I like what I'm doing, you go off and do what you want to do, I'm happy for you.

As everybody knows, in life there's always someone waiting to give you advice, waiting to let you know how you should be living your life, they can't wait to tell you their way and how you to can be just like them!

The hard part, is knowing the difference between good advice and poor advice. But remember good advice to one, can be bad advice to another.

I always listen to people's advice, the people that make sense to me, great, I'll take their good advice and implement it, the people who don't make sense, can take their advice and beep, beep, beep it!

I look for people that like training the same way as me. When you have a group of people that all want to practice martial arts the same way, not only is it a great feeling, it's also very powerful.

I do listen to people, but most of what I hear, I don't like. That's not to say that what they're saying is rubbish, it just doesn't make sense to me.

People should first determine what they want from the martial arts, the way to do this is to try different clubs, styles and instructors. It shouldn't take long to find the right martial arts school for you.

If you want to cage fight, mixed martial arts is the way, if you want slow gentle movement, Tai chi is probably the way, if you want to keep fit, go to aerobics, etc, etc.

So, in a nutshell, the reason I practice karate is because I want too.

Ossu
Linden Huckle

how to learn karate blog

How To Learn karate

2009-11-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

If you wish to discover how to learn karate, check out these free karate for beginners videos. They cover karate basics and etiquette.

Karate is excellent exercise for all ages, covering fitness, stretching, philosophy, self defence, etc.

Choose a karate school wisely, I recommend you trial a few karate classes before joining, you will soon know if the karate sensei (teacher).