2. Where did it come from?
3. Why are there different styles of karate?
4. Which style is best?
5. How long will it take me to get a black belt?
6. What can karate do for me?
7. Will I be injured?
8. What do I need to start?
9. Is it expensive?
10. Do I need to be fit?
11. Will there be any other women in the class?
12. I have a medical condition/physical disability, does that rule me out?
13. Am I too old to start?
14. Are there any books or videos that will help me?
15. Where do I go from here?
Karate is a system of punches, strikes, deflections, parries, kicks, throws and joint locks. It is designed as a defensive art. In a class you will practice individual and combination techniques with a partner or against 'air' (like shadow boxing. Techniques are then practised on impact pads and the makiwara (a traditional training aid) to develop proper mechanics and power in your punch. Top
The mainstay of traditional karate is 'kata' these are a series of movements containing all the particular techniques of a given style of karate. They start off basic and become more and more complex. Some people have equated kata to being like 'moving meditation' and certainly the concentration and body co-ordination required perform a kata perfectly can bring on a state of extreme concentration. Top
Karate, contrary to popular public conception, is not a Japanese martial art but did in fact originated on a small island south of Japan called Okinawa. It is generally believed that indigenous fighting techniques (simply referred to as "Ti" = hand) were combined with techniques introduced from Southern China and South East Asia. In the early 20th century it was systemized and simplified for introduction into the school system and was renamed 'Karate'.Top
3. Why are there different styles?
There are many different styles (Japanese = ryu) of karate. Originally there were no styles per se, just teachers instructing students independently of each other. However, when Karate was brought to mainland Japan, it eventually branched-out into different schools, mostly based on the teachings of its particular founder. Some of the more popular Okinawan styles are Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu. While some of the popular Japanese styles are Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu and Shotokan. Top
The best style is the one that suits you! All styles have a different emphasis on how things are practised, for example, practising high kicks instead of low kicks, more kata or less kata in favour of fighting (kumite). At the end of the day it's not the school that is most important but the instructor. Seek out recommendations, visit and watch a few different clubs and check out the instructors credentials.Top
5. How long will it take me to get a black belt?
The average time within our Association is 3 - 4 years, this is based upon someone who trains 2-3 times a week, attending the occassional seminar and possesses an average level of fitness and co-ordination. People who can only attend sporadically due to work commitments for example, may have to wait a while longer. Getting your black belt isn't everything, you can go to some schools and get a black belt in one year. It's not what you have on, it's how you feel. Top
Besides giving you the basis on which to be able to better defend yourself, karate has some deeper benefits. Surface benefits such as feeling fitter, being more co-ordinated and improved reflexes are things which will appear after a months of training. Deeper benefits such as better composure, clearer thinking, a deeper insight into yourself and improved confidence are things which take longer, but will in time and practice be some of the benefits of karate training. Top
Karate requires contact training so there will inevitably be injuries. In our experience, students more often than not come in to class with injuries that they have sustained playing soccer, ice hockey or some other popular sport. Injuries in karate tend to be quite minor such as bruising to the forearms or shins (or ego!). Strained fingers or toes from getting in the way! The occasional black eye or injured rib. Karate has taken on broard ideas from modern sports science and any dangerous exercises are no longer taught by reputable dojos.Top
A pair of tracksuit/jogging bottoms, t-shirt and boundless enthusiasm.Top
You will be expected to register with KarateBC through the dojo which covers insurance and allows you to participate in seminars and tournaments held by KarateBC. A karate uniform (or dogi) will set you back anywhere between $35 and $150 depending upon the quality. These are things that are not required at your first lesson and most clubs give a student a couple of classes to see if they are going to 'stick with it' first. Most clubs charge per month, but some charge per lesson. The usual fee per lesson will be between $5 - $8. Be sure to avoid any clubs that require you to sign long term and expensive contracts.Top
No, in a good dojo your level of fitness will be taken into account and your level of exercise will be gradually increased over several months until you are able to follow the rest of the class through the entire warm up.Top
11. Will there be any other women in the class?
Most certainly, women are quite well represented in most dojos. Again the best thing to do is to find a dojo that you like the look of and talk to the women there about the training.Top
12. I have a medical condition/physical disability, does that rule me out?
No, but seek advice from a doctor before embarking upon any karate practice if you suffer from any condition which could be affected by exercise. If you have a physical disability there is no reason why you should not be able to practice karate (many do).Top
No, students of all ages are welcome to train in most dojos. Listen to your body during practice and don't try to 'keep up', just enjoy it.Top
14. Are there any books or videos that will help me?
Videos and books should never take the place of a qualified instructor. That said, there are some books and videos that can be helpful comments.Top
If you have decided that Kowakan appeals and you like to know more contact us using the Contact section or come on down and watch a class or two. If you're ready to try a class, give us a call and let us know when you would like to join a class. We'll be sure to save you a space on the dojo floor.Top