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The Goal * Discipline * Age Enrollment * Rules * Uniforms * Bowing - Work-out * Ranking Up * Techniques
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THE GOAL Karate Smart goal is to assist you in developing harmony between mind, body, and spirit. The most important aspect of this program is to teach the application and the dynamics of self -defense. Using the fundamentals of karate (kicks, punches, blocks, strikes and forms) the Karateka can develop coordination, stamina and strength. Karate also has a way of developing confidence as well as discipline. It is also an ever changing system that develops new ideas and positive approaches into its teaching |
Style ART The art part of karate is the attention given to the technique and its proper execution. Kata is a formal exercise that is composed of prearranged moves. Kata is compared to fighting with an invisible opponent. There are three types of katas, soft, hard and weapons kata. A traditional kata has kick, punches and strikes. It usually begins and ends in the same place. A new kata has been born in America, sometimes called free style, or just empty hands. These new katas are sometimes performed with music. New katas often look more like gymnastic dances then traditional forms. SPORT Kumite or sparring is the sport part of karate. It is often compared to boxing, but unlike boxing the purpose in NOT to knock out the opponent. Sparring is used to teach control as well as developing speed, time and distance. Point sparring is a game of tag using karate techniques. The object of the game to strike the target area of the opponent with light to moderate contact. The match is no longer than 2 minutes or ends when the first 3 point is scored. SELF-DEFENSE A combination of techniques designed to defend against attacks. Self-defense is also learning the vital parts of the body and being aware of ones surroundings. The most vulnerable parts of the body are Eyes, throat, groin and knees. Another aspect of self-defense is break falls or the teaching of the proper way to fall to have minimal injury to the body. |
THE DISCIPLINE, RESPECT, AND CONFIDENCE Discipline has a "bad word"
connotation when it's simply implies the training of self. Self discipline, self control
and self respect are the building blocks of a healthy minded individual. AGE It is important to teach children safety and kidnap prevention as soon as they can comprehend. However, to be in a karate class it is important to have some focus (concentration) to learn and retain the techniques. At the age of six most kids can pay attention and have more coordination than at the age of 4 and 5. Children classes start at the age of 6 to 12. Adult class are 13 and up. |
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| UNIFORMS A plain white gi ( uniform) is traditionally worn to class. Make sure that your uniform is clean. Unauthorized patches or writing will not be allowed on gi. A gi is highly recommended for karate class. In self defense there is grabbing and pulling and street clothes may get ruined. In keeping with the tradition and in respect for those who have shared this art with us, we keep the traditional salutation. The bow is a way of greeting or saying good bye. The bow is done before class and after class. If the student needs to leave class before it is over it is customary to let the instructor know so student can be bowed out. |
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| WORKOUT Not everyone has the same physical or athletic ability, however, everyone is expected to put forth their best effort. Push yourself, but do not over exert. It is important to stop when your body is telling you to. It is important to ask questions if you do not understand a technique. Injury can result from incorrect execution of technique. Classes begin on time and will go for 50 minutes The first 15to 20 minutes of class will be warm-up and conditioning followed by a water break. Techniques review or introduction of new technique If time permits combinations technique
Jigoro Kano (founder of Judo) was the first to use color belts to show rank among the students. Before there was such a thing as ranking up the martial artist used white belts. As the martial artist continued there training the belt turned yellow from the sweat and soil. The belt continued to darken as the training became vigorous and eventually the belt turned black. Thus, the black belt was born. It was a tradition not to wash the belt, as it showed the world the toil of their discipline. Today the karate uses the color belt system to show the rank of the students. When ranking up a student the instructor will look for the student's strength and ability to execute techniques and the self-defense. The instructor understands that there are students that have physical limitations. Not everyone is able to throw a triple round house kick to the head, and this is always taken into consideration. There are three things that the instructor looks for when ranking up a student thy are: Knowledge, tension and execution. Knowledge: When the instructor calls for a side kick the student should know not to throw a triple roundhouse to the head. Execution: In execution the student should know where the strike is targeted, for example a punch should be thrown to the center of the body and not off to the side. (Very common) Tension: When throwing a technique or a self-defense move, student should perform it as it he were actually using the technique. The belt ranking system for Karate Smart is as followed, white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, first degree purple, 2nd degree purple and 3 degrees of Red. The last belt color is red with a black stripe.
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