Karate for Fitness and Self Defence
By Rod Butler.

Karate is suitable for all ages and all levels of experience. Karate Clubs generally have a beginner’s class, an intermediate class and an advanced class for Black and Brown Belts. If you are thinking about starting Karate, it is always best to go along and have a look at a class that is running. A good instructor will always welcome you and find you a seat or a place to watch the class.

Have a look to see if the class is disciplined and well structured. Are the students concentrating on the instructions given to them? If there are people wandering in and out of the class in a casual manner it is probably run by a lax or inexperienced instructor who doesn’t discipline and push the class hard enough. To get the most out of your class it is important that it is structured and disciplined; you can then concentrate on the instructions and focus on pushing yourself towards your own limits without distractions of any kind.

A Karate Class generally consists of three elements;

  1. Kihon – the basic techniques of Karate,
  2. Kata – prearranged sets of Karate techniques to assist coordination,
  3. Kumite – sparring with a partner using the Karate techniques that you have learnt.
The Kumite or sparring, is taught in a step by step manner starting in a very basic way with prearranged sets of attacks, and gradually progressing to a more advanced form where there are unannounced attacks or ‘Freestyle Kumite’. Freestyle Kumite is very popular, challenging and enjoyable but it is important to master the basic techniques of Karate before moving to this level.

Gradings to assess your progress are usually held three or four times per year and you will need to attend regular classes to see your progress recognised with a different colour of belt. White, Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown and eventually Black are the coloured belts used to denote your progress.

There are a few different styles of Karate and it is best to have a look at each of the styles to see which one appeals to you. Shotokan is by far the most popular nationally and internationally. There is also Go-ju-Ryu and Wado-Ryu both very popular styles of karate. It is best not to go for a new style or a style that has been ‘made up’ or invented from two or more styles or Martial Arts. These new hybrids have a habit of disappearing as quickly as they appeared and you will be left with a form of Karate that few others practice.

A Karate Suit or ‘Gi’ is the clothing that you wear for your Karate class. There is generally no requirement that you start off by purchasing and wearing a Gi, so just wear something loose such as a track suit to start your classes. The Karate Gi however is not expensive and can be obtained for around £25 from a Martial Arts shop. Sometimes the club supplies Karate Gis at a club price – usually a little cheaper than a retail outlet, but be aware of a club that tries to sell you loads of equipment straight away. You don’t need lots of clothing or expensive bits and pieces, so just say ‘No thanks’ and walk away if an instructor says you need this, and this, and this. Karate is an inexpensive hobby and method of keeping yourself fit.

Apart from your Gi, the only other item you need will be an annual licence. One year generally costs around £20. This is important as the licence includes an element of insurance which you do need in case of an accident. Enquire as to whether your licence includes insurance as unfortunately there are unscrupulous instructors who may collect the money and not pay for the insurance that is necessary.

Accidents are rare in a well run ‘Dojo’ (training hall) but do sometimes occur if a student is not concentrating or listening to instructions.

Karate keeps you fit and in good shape. It keeps the body supple and the mind alert. Children also benefit by learning discipline and concentration. Progress can be slow but remember you are learning a Martial Art – something that has been practiced and refined over centuries and something that will last and give you satisfaction and enjoyment for many years of your life.

Rod Butler is the Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate England and the author of ‘Keinosuke Enoeda ~ Tiger of Shotokan Karate’. Click here to pick up your copy today.

Rod has been practicing Shotokan Karate for 35 years and was a student of the late great Master Keinosuke Enoeda. Rod has helped more than 200 of his students to reach the level of Black Belt and has numerous students who have become National and International Champions.

Visit Karate-London.co.uk for more details.

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When Rod Butler talks Karate, we listen.