Karate

Karate Basics

Karate is a serious discipline that packs a first-rate strength and flexibility punch.

Using blocks, kicks, punches, self defense and numerous striking techniques, karate can sharpen your physical awareness and thinking, while improving your hand-eye coordination and balance.

There are many styles of karate, such as kenpo (emphasizing the hands and feet equally, popular in the United States), shotokan (stressing linear movements) and goju-ryu ("hard/soft school"). A system of colored belts reflects the student's level of mastery, starting at white and typically progressing to yellow, green, brown and black .

Upside of Karate

The upside of karate is that it prepares you for almost any kind of attack that you could possibly imagine. With numerous self-defense moves, you have a better chance of escaping an attacker.
Karate builds confidence, promotes flexibility and improves reflexes.
Many children who would otherwise get little exercise enjoy these classes, but adults can take up karate too.

Downside of Karate

For the most part, it is better to leave the martial arts to the classroom. Before you take on a mugger or get into a fight, make sure you know and understand the consequences of what you are prepared to do. And most importantly, never hit first.
The quality of instruction can vary widely from one facility to another and one teacher to another. Credentials aren't standardized.
Make sure you are taking appropriate lessons from a karate master and not just some guy off the streets trying to make a buck .

Is Karate for You?

This chart can help you see how karate fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Body Parts Worked	Emphasis is on flexibility, strength, balance and coordination.
Calories Burned	About 680 an hour for a 150-pound person, 907 for a 200-pound person.
Gear	Proper dress and uniform is required. Certain schools do not mandate the uniform ("gi") jacket in summer but do require the gi pants, appropriate belt and a T-shirt sporting the school's name. Sparring equipment is necessary for most students, mainly footgear, hand gear and sometimes headgear and mouthpiece. Men should consider a cup, women a pelvic protector. Optional items include shin pads and chest protector.
Instruction/Facilities	A martial arts studio ("dojo"), which may also offer kickboxing, Tae Bo and other activities. Some community centers and most fitness centers offer karate.
Time	Allow 45 to 90 minutes. This gives enough time for a quick warm-up and then the learning portion of class.
Schedule/Flexibility	Depends on the facility; often can fit a schedule.

Karate Tips

A karate club is called a dojo. Karate style differs from dojo to dojo, so you may want to shop around to find the style that best suits your preferences.
Ask to observe a session or try an introductory lesson before signing up for a series of classes.
Consider karate for your children ages 8 and up. It's a positive way for them to direct their excess energy and learn respect and discipline.

Liz Neporent, MA on Karate

Karate's moves include strikes, blocks, evasions and throws. Although karate's origin is obscure, an Indian priest gets credit for its creation in the 6th century.

Karate is perhaps the best known of the martial arts, but the many others can also promote physical and mental fitness. These include judo, tae kwon do, kickboxing, jujitsu, aikido and the gentle tai chi .

iVillagers on Karate

"I am an eight-year student of Karate. I have been involved in sports my whole life, but I have never experienced such an all-encompassing fitness workout as karate." -- An iVillager

"Karate has been a great fat-burning and cardio workout. The intensity has caused me to loose weight, plus it's a lot of fun." -- An iVillager

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