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Health & Fitness

Exercise With A Purpose

It's the season of self-improvement, and what better place to start than with your own mind-body connection.  If your New Year's resolution includes improving your physical and mental health, this is an exciting time to think outside the box and explore the benefits of Karate training. People who train in Martial Arts exercise on a regular basis. They are more determined to stick with an exercise regimen, because it offers more than just aerobic activity or weight maintenance. Karate is exercise with a purpose, and there is a bond among people who work and sweat together to achieve a higher goal, both mentally and physically.

It takes time to develop an understanding of the practice of Karate, but usually after a month of training, and after most of the basic moves are learned, the fundamental tenants of Karate begin to make sense.  Seek perfection of character, Be faithful, Endeavor to excel, Respect others, Refrain from violent behavior.  These concepts are at the core of Karate-do, or the Karate way of life.

The Karate path begins with one training session, and then many more sessions following.  At first there is the physical exercise, but in time, an understanding of Karate-do develops.  There isn’t a lot of mystery involved in the basic training sessions.  A typical Shotokan Karate class is one hour in length, beginning with a ten to fifteen minute warm-up.  Warm-ups consist of stretching, cardio exercise, and specialized breathing technique.  This prepares the muscles and body for class and helps prevent injury. Then the session is broken down into three points of study: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

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Kihon is training in basic technique and form.  The best way to learn technique is through careful repetition and practice.  Kihon is the foundation for all Shotokan Karate. Techniques range in complexity from beginner to advanced, and may be practiced at slow speeds as well as fast speeds.  

Kata can be described as pre-arranged dance-like movements.  Kata expands on Kihon, with simulated fight sequences choreographed by ancient masters.  Shotokan Karate boasts twenty-five unique katas, ranging from beginner to advanced.  All Kata is memorized, with specific movements and turns that play out a series of maneuvers.

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Kumite is sparring, and the most well known component of Martial Arts.  Though full free-sparring is practiced, Kumite often involves pre-arranged techniques and announced actions.  It can range in speed from slow to fast.  Protective padding is not worn in Shotokan Karate, as it compromises authenticity of the movements, and does not always prevent injury.

One Karate session is the first step to discovering a new way to exercise your body and clear your mind.  Mastering Karate takes time and practice, but it is a discipline that develops physical strength and mental clarity. 
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