空手
Karate is a martial art in which the ultimate purpose is not to
seek to win but to work towards perfection of character by
the accumulation of experience through training. It is also
a form of self-defence using all parts of the body, which
by hard and systematic training, become effective and
powerful weapons.Karate encompasses whole body
movements, which develop balance so that an
overall maturity of movement is created.
Karate incorporates the use of the entire body in which the legs, arms, hips, spinal column and
shoulders are all made to react with each other in a mechanically co-ordinated system so that the
power that has been created at different joints of the body is finally channelled into a single area
with tremendous force.
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To achieve this level of co-ordination, constant practice of the very basics – Kihon (which due to
their variety and complexity can be considered as a complete art for themselves) must be carried
out. The mastery of these fundamental techniques ensures a strong foundation for progress and
expansion in the two other aspects of Karate, being formal exercises (Kata) and sparring
(Kumite).
Modern-day Karate is almost entirely a blocking and striking system, using high energy kicks,
punches, strikes and blocks.
People who practice Karate are known as Karateka. They wear light, white cotton tunics and
trousers (Dogi), which are fastened with a coloured belt (Obi).
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The colours vary according to the proficiency attained at the grading examinations, which are
held at regular intervals throughout the year. The coloured belts leading to the coveted black-belt
are known as Kyu grades. Black-belts are known as Dan grades (Dan meaning degree) and
there is a scale of proficiency between 1st and 10th Dan within the black-belt itself.
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Training in Karate wihtin ESKK consists of three parts.
The first, being basic technique (Kihon), in which the class forms
lines and advances up and down the training hall (Dojo)
practising their fundamental techniques. This is followed by
combination techniques, where several individual movements are
performed as part of a sequence.
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Secondly, there is formation training (Kata). This is the name
given to an extended series of combination techniques that
represent symbolic defence against individual or multiple
assailants.
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The third and final part of Karate training is sparring
(Kumite). There are many parts to Kumite, starting with
the basic attacks and defences leading up to the very
advanced. The most advanced form of Kumite is free-
fighting (Jiyu-Kumite), and although it is called ‘free’, it
still has a strict set of rules that the students must abide
by.
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There is also Competition Karate (Kata and Kumite)
but this is not compulsory.
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