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Practice
At the beginning of most Karate classes, students are called to the front
of the studio and line up in a row according to rank. After bowing to
the instructor(s), they usually meditate for a short period of time and
then stretch and condition to warm-up. Depending on the school, this can
be followed by basic kicking, blocking, and striking drills (kihon), kata,
self-defense, or sparring (kumite).
Lining up before a class (left)
Jogging Drills (right)
Kata
Kata are prearranged series of techniques. These combinations are used
mainly to improve students' speed, coordination, balance, and skill. While
performing kata, one pretends that he is being attacked on all sides,
so he continuously turns in different directions (backward, forward, side,
etc) to block and strike. Each kata is used against a certain number of
opponents, and vary in level. The two aims of kata are to strengthen the
bones and muscles, and to develop fast reflexes and movements, both important
skills in self-defense. Kata practice also emphasizes the unification
of mind, body, and spirit. Each major Karate style consists of at least
12 stylized kata. Each movement has a purpose, and each series represents
the masters who contributed to its creation.
Kumite
Kumite is the practice of sparring between partners. It is still fairly
new, having been developed in the early 1900s by Gichin Funakoshi. However,
sparring allows students to test their techniques against real opponents,
essentially providing them a means of practical application. Thus, they
can improve their accuracy, timing, and ma-ai. Students usually begin
with pre-arranged sparring, where both opponents/partners know the moves
in advance. In semi-free sparring, the attacking partner will call out
his moves and the other partner will counter with any technique. In free
style sparring, the most dangerous and advanced form of sparring, both
sides' actions are unknown. Both participants must control their techniques
since injury can easily occur.
Kumite
Principles
It should be noted that the mind plays a pivotal part in Karate training.
Symbolically-speaking, it must be like the moon and water:
Tsuki
no kokuro: Mind Like Moon
One must be completely aware of an opponent and his movements, just as
the moon shines over everything at night. The focus should be on the entire
body, instead of an individual part, like the feet. Acting with consciousness
enables the Kareteka to notice an opponent's defenses. Being distracted
or nervous, like clouds before a moon, impairs the ability to think clearly.
Mizo
no kokuro: Mind Like Water
Like an undisturbed body of water, the mind must be calm when facing an
opponent. Evened water accurately reflects the images before it, just
as the calm mind can perceive an opponent's movements clearly, and immediately
and appropriately respond to them. On the other hand, if a mind is disturbed,
it will not be able to imagine or understand an attack correctly, thus
making the Karateka vulnerable.
Setting
Karate is practiced in a dojo, or training hall. The majority of (or entire)
the floor is covered with thick, padded material. This helps to protect
students when they fall or roll. Other parts of the dojo are used for
seating and ceremonial emblems are hung on the walls.
Etiquette
In the Japanese martial arts, there are certain rules of conduct in the
dojo. These are also meant to be applied outside of the dojo, reflecting
the nature of Budo, which is a way of life. Here are some points to remember:
- Bowing:
It is proper to bow before entering and leaving the dojo. The bow can
be performed while standing or kneeling. Generally, the kneeling bow
is practiced at the beginning and end of karate class, when the class
gathers in line according to rank.
- Drinking
and smoking is not allowed
- All
jewelry must be removed, long hair tied back neatly, and fingernails
cut short.
- The
uniform should be neat and clean.
- Superiors
and instructors should be referred to with formal titles, such as Sensei,
Master, or Mister/Miss.
- If late, a student must kneel or wait in the back of the class until the instructor gives him permission to join class.
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