Mudgee Karate Club

What is Karate?

Karate is a traditional Japanese sport which has been practiced for hundreds of years. It is a sport for boys and girls which uses your body to its max. It not only benefits you physically but also mentally.

Karate do means the way of the empty hand which is what karate is. It is a system of self defense using hands and feet to deliver blows and blocks.The lower belts pay high respect to higher belts. Whilst the highest respect is shown to the 'Sensei' (the instructor).

How is it played?

Most dojos begin and end with meditation it can go for ages or just a couple minutes. Other dojos may choose to start with a 5-10 minute warm up this involves running, pushups and other execises.

After that you normally strecth this helps your muscles stay undamaged and keeps them in good shape. The do this for around 15 minutes until your body is nice and relaxed.

Punching and blocking is next which you do again for about 15 minutes displaying various punches and how to block them. Sparring goes for 15 minutes where you fight another to find out if you have improved and other things that you may need to improve.

Kata is just revision on what you have learnt, this can go for as long as possible. This is a way to warm up and play karate.

Where is it played?

Karate is taught in a hall called a 'dojo'. A dojo can be anywhere a school hall, a basement, a dancing studio or a basement. A dojo is a sacred place and is respected by all it's students young and old.

There are numerous rules and procedures at the dojo. Like taking of your shoes before you enter the dojo. Also upon entering the dojo students must bow towards the front of the dojo.