Karate: What to Expect

Just like I do in my profession, I rarely turn down a chance to let others know about the art that is karate. My way to do that journalistically is to teach. In karate, if there is an opportunity to do the same, I'm there.

Now that summer is ending and school is starting again, after-school programs are up and running. A new one has opened in the school district and, curious to see if they had an interest in adding a karate program, I called. We set up a meeting for next week to discuss it further, the program director asked if there was any literature about karate that I could send her in the interim.

It's been a few years since the program Training Partner Ed and I started at the church was up and running, and our website isn't operational anymore. That made me think about what I could send to the program director about karate program basics. I've written a lot in this space about the issues I had finding a (new) place to train over the years, but I've also talked about what others should look for as well - particularly parents thinking about signing up their children - here, too. I ended up sending her this entry as an intro, but as it is really a primer for parents who are already interested in getting their children into karate, I realized I wanted to give a bit more. I couldn't quite find what I wanted in any one place so I decided to write about what karate is - and isn't - myself. 

So, if you are interested in karate - whether that interest in the art is from a desire to work out on a regular, learn how to better defend yourself, work on your self-discipline, or be a part of a regular, group activity – it’s important to know a bit about it before you step barefoot onto the mat.

KARATE literally translates to “empty hand.” In most situations, the idea is self-defense, but it also teaches how to be aware of what's happening around you, how to avoid potential conflict when possible, and how to handle your business efficiently if necessary. Know that there will be physical conditioning (via drills and exercises for your cardiovascular system as well as for your forearms, legs, stomach and even hands/knuckles) to help prepare your body and mind for learning what to do and how to do it.

Based on eastern Asian principles and techniques, martial arts are steeped in tradition. Karate classes usually use Japanese words and terminology. Words used in a traditional dojo (training hall) - or one that simulates traditional training etiquette – will help you learn a bit of the language as well as the culture.

Respect – or “rei” – is expected and applies to everyone in the training hall. Of course instructors and senior students are expected to be received respectfully, but is also means that students should treat all dojo mates, visitors and spectators in the same regard, simply because it is the right thing to do. One way respect is shown for the art and its practitioners is by bowing to each other, which is really a sign of reverence for the art, the people with whom you are training, and all those who have trained before you. Understand that it is par for the course in the dojo.

Intensity while training is expected, but it is also understood that everyone on the mat is learning and, as a result, hurting folks you’re training with is a no-no. Accidents happen, but being mindful that folks could be injured can help keep those accidents to a minimum. What I tell the youngsters: Training partners are friends and hurting friends isn’t something we do. Be purposeful, but be careful, too.

Also understand that the martial path is all about the journey, not the destination - and a fast trip is often not the generally recommended road. Any school or program promising to make you a black belt in X number of years is one you should probably run from as quickly as possible. The things you learn are designed to take a long time to master, so delayed gratification is the name of the game. The hard work put in will certainly pay off, but that payoff isn't always immediately apparent. You will get there if you work at it and stick to it, thought.

To those who are training, have trained or are thinking about kicking off your shoes and falling in, enjoy your journey. Don’t be afraid to look around your path every now and again, as reflection is important and necessary.

Hope that is helpful...