Many of you may be familiar with the book All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum, and it’s interesting to note on a similar level, that you can learn all Core Karate Techniques in just one month. Nearly everything you’ll be practicing from white belt to black belt can be taught to you in just thirty days.
Like any physical activity, there are only so many specific moves. It’s not so much how many moves we know, but more about how we can apply them, modify them and use them effectively in the spur of the moment. That’s the part that takes years to master.
To illustrate why this is the case, I’m going to use the game of basketball as an example. In basketball, there are a limited number of rules, and it doesn’t take long to learn how to play the game. That doesn’t mean a beginner will be as good as an NBA Champion in a month’s time. With sports, we accept that it takes years to perfect the techniques. So why should we expect anything different when it comes to martial arts?
Find out what's happening in Graftonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Most likely, common misconceptions about karate are in part due to how martial arts are showcased in entertainment. Movies generally feature inexperienced students learning complex technique quickly, and the results are almost magical. Video games offer players the chance to learn complex button patterns, and if they memorize them all, they’re instantly expert players.
People who study karate are: driven, focused, and smart. Often, they are well educated, work in high-level professions and have exciting stories to share before and after class. They also have a natural tendency towards discipline and determination, and are motivated to take the necessary time to develop amazing power and speed. After a few years of study, they earn it.
Find out what's happening in Graftonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Martial Arts aren’t for everyone. Many people who begin karate training quickly realize that they’re looking for something else. If you can invest a month of sincere training, you’ll learn it all, and then you’ll be able to decide if a black belt is truly in your future.
For information on how to get a free month of Karate training at Perro Shotokan Karate, visit our website at PerroKarate.com or visit the dojo Monday through Thursday at 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM.
