Abcs Of Karate Lessons Dallas

By Patty Goff


Karate is a martial art that comes from the Japanese island of Okinawa. Karate is based on Shin-Budo and consists predominantly of punches, kicks and blocks; but depending on the style it also incorporates varying degrees of roll, grab handles and locks. There are several styles of Karate lessons Dallas. Historically, it can be shown that karate was systematically used in Japan after the beginning of Taisho period (1912-1926).

Because the art of writing in the population at that time was not widespread, and it was necessary for reasons of secrecy that few written records were made. It relied on the oral tradition and direct transfers. For this purpose, the master pooled combat techniques in teaching units related to specified procedures or forms. These precisely defined processes called Kata.

The discpline is characterized mainly by impact and shock blocking techniques as well as attack core based on training content. A few levers and throws are (after sufficient mastery of basic techniques) are also taught in advanced training in addition to chokes and nerve point techniques. Sometimes the application of techniques is performed with the aid of Kobudo weapons, the weapons training is not an integral part of the discipline.

For the layman, combat movements seem strange or meaningless. The real significance of hostilities reveals itself only through an intense kata study and the decoding of Kata. This is done in the bunkai training. A Kata is therefore a traditional, systematic military program and the main medium surrounding the tradition of martial arts. Between 1906-1915 Funakoshi traveled with a selection of his best disciples throughout Okinawa Karate and held public demonstrations. In the following years, the then Crown Prince, later Emperor Hirohito witnessed such a performance and invited Funakoshi, the President of Ryukyu Ryu Budokan to form an Okinawan martial art association and also present a lecture.

By the end of 19th century, this discipline had always been practiced in secret and passed only from master to student. During the Meiji Restoration, Okinawa was officially declared in 1875 a Japanese prefecture. At that time of social upheaval, in which the Okinawan population were adapting the Japanese lifestyle and Japan after centuries of isolation opened up to the world, the sport regained public exposure.

Legend has it that the Buddhist monk Daruma Taishi (Bodhidharma) from Kanchipuram (South India) in the 6th century Shaolin (jap. Shorinji) trained. Hence, the monks have also been trained in physical exercises, so they could endure the long meditation. The Shaolin Kung Fu arose from the then many other Chinese martial arts styles (Wushu).

Tactics and methods of fighting were largely removed and the health aspects such as posture, mobility, flexibility, breathing, tension and relaxation were emphasized. The discipline was officially launched as a sport in Okinawa schools in 1902. This dramatic event marks the point at which the learning and practicing the martial art no longer just self-defense, but also as a kind of physical exercise.

Funakoshi Gichin, a disciple of the Master Yasutsune Itosu and Anko Asato, distinguished himself on the reform of karate. Besides the above three masters Kanryo Higashionna was another influential reformer. His style integrated soft, evasive defensive techniques and hard, direct counter techniques. His students Miyagi and Mabuni Mabuni developed on this basis their own styles of Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu, which were later widespread.




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