Q: What is Karate-Do?
A: Karate-Do's meaning means "Empty Hand Way". Karate-Do is a form of self-defense, an art, and a sport. In the self-defense form of Karate-Do, one utilizes strikes, punches, and kicks to fend off an attacker. In the Art form of Karate-Do, one practices punches, strikes, blocks, kicks, and stances to exercise and strengthen the body, as well as to practice and perfect technique. Kata (forms) practice is used teach physical coordination, discipline of the mind, and introduces the karate-do student to pre-fighting. Jiyu-Kumite (Free-Sparring) is taught to the karate student to fight an opponent, using kicks and punches in a strategic manner. In the sport form of Karate-Do, kata is demonstrated to show one's control over one's body, mind, and spirit, shobu-kumite (Match-Sparring) is demonstrated where two people fight in one match for points.
Q: What will I learn in Karate-Do?
A: You will learn Kihon (Basics), Kata (Forms), and Kumite (Sparring). Of all the important aspects of Karate, Kihon (Basics) is an important part of developing both kata (forms) and kumite (basics). In kihon, you will learn strikes, punches, blocks, kicks, and stances. In utilizing all those movements, you will practice kata (forms) to use mostly all the movements you have learned. In kumite (sparring), you will learn to defend yourself against an opponent to test reaction skills by using karate kihon (basics). Also, you will learn mokuso (meditation) and Japanese terminology, so most of what we say in class won't sound weird to you. You will also review anything taught in Sensei Gittins Martial Arts Class (PEC 104, 105, and 106).
Q: Will I learn stuff from Tae Kwon Do or Kung Fu?
A: No. Those other martial arts are fine, but we teach traditional Japanese Karate-Do. If we taught those martial arts, we would be teaching more than just Karate, we would be teaching other martial arts. Our main focus is in Karate-Do. We do however introduce techniques from Ju-Jitsu and Aikido.
Q: How much will this club cost?
A: Nothing. If you are a student or faculty member at Seattle Central Community College and have access to Student Activity Center you don't have to pay anything. Also, if you do not have access to the Student Acitivty Center, we have limited space available for those who want to train.
Q: What equipment do I need for this club?(Recommended)
A: To start out with, if you do not have a karate-do gi you can wear loose fitting clothing, sweats and a t-shirt should be enough. A karate-do gi (white martial arts uniform) is preferred. Make sure it is white, with at least one or no patches, and that it fits correctly. If you have a karate-do gi it is mandatory to wear it. Cloth sparring pads and head gear (optional/macho brand head gear prefered) are recommended sparring equipment. Females must have a mouth guard to spar, chest guard is optional. Males are required to have a mouth guard AND groin cup. If you do not have the right saftey equipment for kumite, you don't spar. If you do not have ANY sparring equipment, you don't spar. Ask Sensei Carlos for Karate-Do supplies. Also, please note that it is recommended that you have these supplies if you are attending SCCC Karate-Do Club for more than two quarters. If you are not, you don't have to buy a uniform. Martial Arts supplies and uniforms can be purchased at Chinatown's/International District's Kung Fu Club, on King and Maynard.
Q: Will I become like Bruce Lee or Jet Li?
A: No. This club cannot turn somebody into a martial arts legend. Bruce Lee was a man who did more for the martial arts community than anyone else, as well as being a splendid martial artist and great actor. No one can ever become the man Bruce Lee was.
Q: Why are the club's meeting times held in the Afternoon? Can't you hold meetings at night?
A: The club meetings are held in the afternoon because that is the time the SAC has given us. In order for the club to use the SAC's facilities, we have to comply with their schedule. The club is not the only class that uses the SAC multi-purpose Room room. The club meetings are not held at night because of the time conflicts with the SAC multi-purpose room.
Please contact myself, Sensei Carlos Aviado, at [email protected], if you want more training time or if you want me to help you with your kata or look at you basics.