WHAT IS KARATE-DO?
Karate-Do is a martial art and a way of life. Its origin is Japanese and it was created for personal defense and for the integral development of the body and mind of the practitioner, it is purpose was to help the Karateka to become capable of overcoming any obstacle in his daily life.
It is a discipline dedicated to self-defense that uses empty hands, Kara (Empty), Te (hand) and DO (Path).
Karate-Do is practiced barefoot, the students use a Karate Gi that consists of a Jacket, pants and a belt (OBI) that represents the current rank. The practices of Karate-Do begin and end with a bow, this is a ritual of respect and commitment of maximum effort in each training.
The practice of Karate-Do is performed in a Dojo which stands for “training place”. Each class consists of a warm-up, a Kihon Wasa (basic techniques), Katas (imaginary fight performed individually) and Kumite (combat that is worked in pairs and in a controlled way). All the techniques learned are applied in a real combat and for a real situation.
Once the training is over, Seiza (kneeling position) is performed by students and the Sensei (Instructor) gives the order of Mokuso (meditation) that invites the Karateka to close their eyes and think about their training and personal performance.
The degrees or belt ranks within Karate-Do serve to measure the level of knowledge and preparation of practitioners. These grades are divided into Kyu (colored belt) and Dan (Black Belt). Colored belts are worn by beginner students and Black Belts for advanced students. These ranks are progressively achieved through constant examinations.
The benefits of Karate-Do Do range from a physical component such as strengthening and toning muscle mass, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, motor coordination, balance of body sides (right and Left side). It also works on the development of the emotional and social component such as respect for others, the behavior inside and outside the dojo, discipline and etiquette and the reinforcement of security and self-esteem.