Karate is a system of self-defence, incorporating the use of the entire body (hands, feet, elbows, and knees). Translated directly, Karate means “empty handed”. This implies that no weapons are used in this martial art. Karate develops the physical body, the mind, and a persons internal energy or spirit.
Goju Ryu Karate
Chojun Miyagi is considered the founder of Goju Ryu Karate. Miyagi blended the hard, snapping techniques of Naha-te with the softer, gentler techniques of the Chinese martial arts such as Kempo and Kung-Fu, the Goju Ryu Karate style was born.
Components of Your Training
Karate-Do: 'The empty handed way'
On top of your regularly scheduled Karate classes (see schedule), you can come to a variety of different classes held throughout the week. From open classes to Jiu Jitsu, there is always something going on at the dojo. Two or three times a week is sufficient to show regular progress. However, you can come as often as you like.
Your Karate training is divided into three main areas: Kata (forms), Kihon (basics), and Kumite (sparring).
Kata:
The Kata is an imaginary fight, it is a set of predetermined series of fighting techniques (Blocking, Punching, Striking, and Kicking). The essence of Karate is in the Kata. The Kata has been the traditional training method, used by the masters to hand down their techniques over the centuries. Kata allows the four tenets of karate to be expressed, these are speed, strength, beauty, and technique. Without the Kata, Karate would simply be fighting. The Kata helps physically in the development of speed, balance, posture, techniques, and coordination. Mentally, the Kata develops concentration, attention to detail, awareness, confidence, and much more.
Kihon:
Kihon (basics) training, is the practice of fighting techniques in a structured and repetitive manner. Often done to a count, techniques emphasized are stances, blocks, strikes and kicks. Kihon should be used to properly develop fighting techniques for Kata, Kumite and self-defence. Kihon is your foundation for the training and gives you something to build on.
Kumite:
Kumite (sparring) is a dynamic action reaction exercise that teaches timing and distancing. There are two main types of Kumite. Ippon Kumite (one point sparring) practices fighting techniques against an opponent in a static situation. Both block and counter are experienced by the two participants. Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) is an exercise that practices fighting techniques against an opponent in a more dynamic fashion. Blocks and strikes are thrown out freely in a controlled manner between the two opponents. Kumite conditions the individual through constant practice to approach an opponent with a calm mind. The general purpose of Kumite teaches the basic elements of fighting in a controlled environment. It teaches distancing, timing, balance technique, focus perception of attacks and much more.
Kobudo — Weapons Training
Another part of your training here at the Centre is Kobudo. Kobudo translated into English means “ancient martial art”. Once you reach a green belt level, you will be introduced to Kobudo, which is a martial art dealing with weapons.
Kobudo training is designed to use the weapon as an extension of the body. The weapons studied in Kobudo training are the Tong Fa, Bo, Sai, Jo, and Tonbo.
The Tong Fa: was originally used as a farming implement in Okinawa. Translated as “handle”, the Tong Fa is a formidable weapon of Okinawan design.
The Bo: is a six-foot staff. Although examples of the staff used as a weapon are found all over the world, the first people to scientifically teach the Bo as a weapon were the Chinese. Transmitted from Chinese origin, Okinawan and Japanese Bojutsu (the art of the Bo) are some examples of staff martial arts.
The Sai: is a truncheon-like weapon found prominently in Okinawa, with evidence of similar weapons in India, China and Indonesia. An excellent trapping weapon, the Sai were usually carried in sets of three, one in each hand and one concealed inside the obi that was used for throwing.
The Jo: is generally a staff less than 5 feet in length with a minimum 1’ diameter. Although a simple looking weapon, the art of Jojutsu (stick art) is an impressive art indeed. Where the bo (see above) enable long range fighting, the Jojutsu is taught to enable in-close fighting with a weapon.
Tonbo (Escrima/Kali): is the Filipino martial art of stick fighting. It deals with self-defences against knife and stick attacks.
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial art meaning “the gentle art”. Jiu Jitsu employs throws, take-downs, joint locks, chokes and submissions. Jiu Jitsu is one of the oldest known martial arts. It is unique in that there are relatively few actual strikes employed. Throughout your training here at the centre, Jiu Jitsu is added into the curriculum.
Tai Chi Chuan
Available as a separate membership
Tai Chi emphasizes slow, controlled movements. Constant Tai Chi practice fosters flexibility, balance, and the development of Chi or internal energy.
Tai Chi was developed in China in the 12th Century by a Taoist monk, Chang San-Feng. A variety of Tai Chi styles are taught at the Martial arts Centre as well as other internal arts such as Qigong, Xingyi and Bagua.
Tai Chi is a form, consisting of 108 flowing movements which deal with a combination of linear and circular movements designed to absorb and redirect an attack using pliability and yielding to defeat forceful attacks.
Available as a separate membership
Cardio Kickboxing is a cardio-based conditioning class, which combines a variety of disciplines, including aerobics, weight training, boxing and the martial arts. Upbeat and energetic, they are complete all-round workouts. Done to music, these 45-minute classes are somewhat instructional but mainly geared around working the body’s cardiovascular system.
Seminars
From time to time throughout your Martial Arts training, you will have the opportunity to attend seminars hosted by special guest instructors proficient in different Martial Arts. There is always a notice about up coming seminars — check the Itinerary of Events for up coming seminars and events. If you are interested, act quickly — spaces often fill up fast!
Women's Self-Defence
Available to non-members as well as members.
Held frequently throughout the year, the Women's Self-Defence class is taught by professionals to help women deal with agressive situations with confidence, as well as preventative measures to avoid potential situations.
The head instructor, Mr. Willemsen is certified in the National Coaching Certification Program, Instructors course for PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) Management Systems for topics on Control Tactics, Rape Prevention, Harassment and Assault Prevention and of course, First Aid and CPR.
