What is Karate?
Karate may be defined as a weaponless means of defense. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques that use all parts of the body together to their maximum advantage.
Karate Practice
Karate practice is divided into 3 areas.
-
Kihon - basic blocks, punches, kicks, and stances.
-
Kata - prearranged forms simulating combat situations.
-
Kumite - sparring.
In each catagory the beginner is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become spontaneous. As the student progresses techniquely, he/she also progresses physically as the practices requires greater stamina. At this stage the student is involved with intricate and difficult Kata and with more dynamic forms of Kumite. When the student approaches Blact Belt level technique, stamina, speed, and coordination become natural as a result of strong practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that the study of Karate has only just begun.
The object of true Karate practice is the perfection of oneself through the perfection of the art.
Karate as Self-Defense
Karate as self-defense is one of the most dynamic of all the martial arts. The trained karate-ka is able to coordinate mind and body perfectly, thereby allowing him/her to unleash tremendous physical power at will. Therefore, it is not the possesion of great physical strength that makes a strong karate-ka,rather it is the ability to coordinate the mind and body. Upon attaining the ability, even the smallest person finds that he/she has within themselves the power to deliver a devastating blow to a would-be attacker.
The Values of Karate
The values of karate to the modern man are numerous. In our everyday lives we often forget the value of exercise to both our physical and mental health. The practice of karate tones the body, developes coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina.
Also, the serious practice of Karate developes composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insights into one's mental capabilities and more self confidence. It is an activity in which age is not a hinderance. Instead, it encourages proficiency in the keen coordination of mind, body, and spirit.
History of Karate
The art of Karate, as it is practiced today, can be traced directly to the Okinawan technique called in Japanese "Okinawa-Te" (Okinawa hands).
The Rapid City Shudokan Karate Club was created in 1970 by Sensei Carl Lange. Sensei Lange came to Rapid City from the military, where he learned his Karate skills in an almost entirely Japanese class in Okinawa.
The current head instructor of the class, Sensei Joseph Alvarez, was one of the original students of Sensei Lange. Sensei Alvarez brings to the Shudokan class 10 years of law enforcement experience, 30 years of security experience and 34 years as a Karate instructor. Plus 44 years in the study of Karate-Do.
The Shudokan style is a hard (strong) style of Karate that specializes in self-defense and aggressive fighting, using the "point and circle" which is an advanced level in Shudokan Karate.
Your developement in Karate depends totally on how much class time you are willing to devote to your instructors and most importantly, to yourself.
Karate for Youth
Shudokan Karate has an excellent program for children 6 to 14 years of age. In these days, Karate is an important art for every child to know.
Martial Arts are beneficial to your child in many ways:
-
Development of self-control and discipline.
-
Learn responsibility and respect.
-
Become goal oriented.
-
Raise confindence and self-esteem.
-
Learn self-defense.
-
Stay physically fit.
Karate is a great investment for parents in their child's future.