TRAINING
Overview
Usually the training consists of planty of different techniques that strengthen muscle tone and stretching. After the first few training sessions a beginner karateka might be surprised of how sore their muscles are for a couple a days, but it is transient. Warm-ups are designed to minimize muscle strains. During the basic course a lot of time is put in to improving one’s fitness, because a good basic level of strength is a must for learning complex, relaxed movements and movement sequences. A beginner karateka is also advised to stretch on their own time, because there are many techniques to go through during the basic course so we might not have enough time during our training sessions for stretching. We will be going through stretching suitable for a karateka, which you can yourself continue at home. It would be good to stretch preferably 1 – 2 hours after training so that you do not sprain the tired muscle with over stretching. For more about how to stretch, consult your senseis(teachers) and senpais(superiors).
Basic technique training
This type of training is used for teaching the many techniques of our style, the correct movements as well as the force and the parts of the body necessary to use these techniques. Training takes place without a partner and as your skills improve you will be able to combine these techniques into long series of movements. Mastering a good basic technique is an essential in order to master everything else in karate.
Training with a partner
In this form of training one is the attacker and the other one is the defender. The attacker tries to assault the defender, often with complex techniques, while the defender tries to protect themselves and counter attack. All the movements are predetermined and in most cases the attacker ultimately looses the battle. The important things in this type of training are: the right distance, balance, the right timing, “fighting spirit”, realistic techniques, etc.
Kata
Kata is a predetermined sequence of movement, in which the performer fights single combat against imaginary opponents. It is said that a kata has been learned well when a person looking at the performance is be able to “see” your opponents.
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