Benefits
Benefits of practicing Karate.
Self-Defence
From a self-defence perspective, research shows that during during real-life confrontation, the body undergoes a PCSR (Psycho Chemical Stress Response). When this occurs, the ability to access logical thoughts all but diminishes. Instead, under the conditions of PCSR, the human brain accesses what is referred to as the ‘Primal Brain’, which control instinctive behaviour. So what does this all mean? Unlike self-defence courses that show a person a set of logical defences against a potential attacker (none of which become instinctive) karate training sets out to develop appropriate ‘instinctive‘ habits in its participants. This gives them the ability to act accordingly under conditions of a stress response.
Instilling Respect, Building Confidence And Humility
While it is a system of self-defence with a full body workout, unlike other sportive activties, karate promotes humanitarian and social respect for other others. We work to become more disciplined, more patient within oneself, and above all, encourages humility above ego.
Character Development
Principles of Karate
From a self-defence perspective, research shows that during during real-life confrontation, the body undergoes a PCSR (Psycho Chemical Stress Response). When this occurs, the ability to access logical thoughts all but diminishes. Instead, under the conditions of PCSR, the human brain accesses what is referred to as the ‘Primal Brain’, which control instinctive behaviour. So what does this all mean? Unlike self-defence courses that show a person a set of logical defences against a potential attacker (none of which become instinctive) karate training sets out to develop appropriate ‘instinctive‘ habits in its participants. This gives them the ability to act accordingly under conditions of a stress response.
Fitness, Energy And Vitality
The techniques practiced during the each class involves the use of all muscles and bones in the body making it an excellent all-over body workout. Involving the entire body also serves to develop balance, agility, coordination and flexibility. Regardless of levels, experience. karate, when practiced regularly, helps to improve cardio capacity, good muscular coordination and control.
While it is a system of self-defence with a full body workout, unlike other sportive activties, karate promotes humanitarian and social respect for other others. We work to become more disciplined, more patient within oneself, and above all, encourages humility above ego.
The dojo environment does not tolerate foul language or negative social behaviour. In short it is a place where each karate-ka give their best. The ultimate goal is that people then take this behaviour and apply it to their everyday lives; at home, work and/or school.
Discipline
Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s emotions, impulses, desires and behavior. The core value of karate is to resist the desire for instant gratification. Instead, we work towards gaining long-term satisfaction and fulfillment from achieving higher and more meaningful goals.
- Through discipline we build self-confidence.
- Karete requires concentration and focus.
- A "Never give up" attitude building a higher tolerance for frustration, challenges and negative emotions.
- A drive to improve and bring ourselves to the next level.
- No matter how good we get, our ego should never be above humility.
In most sports, you win or you lose. While we may practice karate as a group, karate is an individual activity there is no "losing", nor is there any any "winning". Each karate-ka focus on developing at his or her own pace while being pushed to mental or physical limits. With regular practise and persistence, your limits are stretched. Learning and improving; getting better, more skilled, fitter, stronger, more coordinated etc, week-after-week, the self-confidence and discipline grows. In karate, we emphasise on character development rather on physical capabilities.
Coming to the classes with no ego and outside our comfort zone, with a persistence to keep going, the novice karate-ka will realise that whatever they set their sights on, they can achieve – a valuable skill for life.
Principles of Karate
Getting a black belt in Karate-ka is what most people think of when starting out. However it is not the goal or should it be the only reason you start Karate. The philosophy of Karate are based on our 5 precepts (dojo-kun). Briefly :
1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto. / Seek Perfection of Character.
Karate is more than just physical. It is a long path to develop our character.
2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto. / Be Faithful.
To be faithful or loyal is a strong samurai tradition and an extension of the Confucius influence on the family and martial arts.
3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau o koto. / Endeavor.
Complete dedication and commitment to do our best.
4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto. / Respect Others.
Respect for others is an important part of Karate. Master Gichin Funakoshi stressed that karate begins and ends with etiquette. He also stated that without courtesy there is no dojo.
5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto. / Refrain From Violent Behavior.
The karate-ka's has a highly competitive spirit, unbeatable and must use the knowledge only for the sake of justice. It is wrong to use it against an untrained person or unjustified cause.
1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto. / Seek Perfection of Character.
Karate is more than just physical. It is a long path to develop our character.
2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto. / Be Faithful.
To be faithful or loyal is a strong samurai tradition and an extension of the Confucius influence on the family and martial arts.
3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau o koto. / Endeavor.
Complete dedication and commitment to do our best.
4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto. / Respect Others.
Respect for others is an important part of Karate. Master Gichin Funakoshi stressed that karate begins and ends with etiquette. He also stated that without courtesy there is no dojo.
5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto. / Refrain From Violent Behavior.
The karate-ka's has a highly competitive spirit, unbeatable and must use the knowledge only for the sake of justice. It is wrong to use it against an untrained person or unjustified cause.
Whether novice or experienced, our Academy will allow you to study and deepen this
fascinating Oriental martial art that is traditional Shôtôkan Karate!