Front Page
Music
Games
Karate
Christianity
Comedy
Photos
Interactive
Links
About
KARATE
|
I am currently studying the martial art of Shotokan karate, under Sensei Andy Wilkinson.
Karate means empty hand, and is a japanese martial art. There are three components, kihon (kee-yon), kata and kumite(koo-mi-tay).
Kihon
Kata
Kumite
Personal Reasons for training
Christian karate?
ESKA Nationals 2002 and 2003
Kihon
Kihon means 'basic', and is the practice of moves, in a fixed position. This can be very boring, but it is essential to learn these fundamentals well, and will make the later stages of karate much easier. |
Kata
A Kata is a set pattern of 20+ moves, which string kihon moves together, and there are 27 kata altogether in Shotokan Karate.|
Katas become more advanced, the further on they go, and are very difficult to do well. A lot of people underestimate Kata, with it being considered less realistic than Kumite. However, this is not true, as there is much more to a Kata than simply doing the moves. A kata must be understood through the Bunkai (application), and Oyo (interpretation) although these can be virtually limitless. It is also worthwhile learning the mirror version, the backwards version, and other variations of the kata.
Kumite
Kumite is application of moves, in pairwork. This can be in a controlled set of attacks, semi free attacks, or freestyle
attacks. This helps the karateka to prepare for a real life situation, and will give them insight into what techniques work
well in a given situation.|
It is important to remember that karate all links in together, and that an equal balance of Kihon, Kata and Kumite should be practiced. Master Funakoshi's 9th precept says Karate no shugyo wa issho de aru. (It will take your entire life to learn Karate; there is no limit). This means that the popular misconception that being a black belt means you have mastered karate is completely wrong. Becoming a black belt is only a stage in karate, even a 10th Dan, who has reached the highest grade possible in karate, would still have things to learn!
Personal Reasons for training
I started karate in order to complete my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award sports section. To begin with, I neither liked nor disliked it, it was just something to do. I began training with some friends, which made it more enjoyable. |
Because we joined the week after a grading, we waited five months, and then double graded to 8th kyu. I was really pleased with this, as I had worked hard and when Senseis Keith and Tommy both commended our grading, I was really encouraged to continue, and my enjoyment has not faded since.
I would like to continue training for a long time, at least until I reach Shodan (black belt) and preferably further. However I am a committed Christian, and my involvement with Church takes up a lot of my time. Also I will hopefully be going to university in a couple of years. For these reasons, I feel that I may not be able to reach my full potential as a karateka. Whatever happens, karate has improved my phsyical strength and my confidence, among many other things. I would recommend karate to anyone who wants to improve themselves both physically and mentally. However it is not easy, and requires more and more commitment the more you train.
Christian karate
One important aspect of my training is my view of it in light of my Christian beliefs. At first glance, 'meek and mild' Christianity may seem incompatible with various aspects of karate, and I will now explain my views on these differences. When Jesus said in Matthew 5 'turn the other cheek' he was not saying to submit to everyone and never to stand up for ourselves. Rather, he was saying that if our motive is simply anger at being wronged, revenge, or egotistical revenge, then retaliation in the form of violence is not the best solution. A better way would be to forgive the person, and help to make up differences, creating a better relationship between you and the person who wronged you. However, it is our duty to protect ourselves and others from harm, and I believe that if neccessary, properly applied karate would enable me to do this more effectively.|
Another difference is that karate is often been associated with Zen Buddhism which contains beliefs that contradict the Christian faith. However it is possible to practice karate purely as a physical and mental skill, with no spiritual aspect involved. This means that for me, meditation is a time to either reflect on various aspects of karate, for exmple particular techniques, or kata, or alternatively it is a time for God, usually praying for safety or something else. So instead of 'emptying my mind' or 'looking within myself' I use meditation time to enhance my karate skills or my Christian faith.
A third problem is that of bowing, as some people see bowing as a form of submission or worship. The first of the Ten Commandments is 'worship God only' (paraphrased) which clearly means that any element of worship is ruled out while bowing in karate. The Japanese bow to show respect, and that is simply how I view bowing in karate, an easy way to show respect to your instructor, partner or even to the dojo, as a mark of dedication and commitment to training, which are all in line with Christian beliefs.
In short, I believe that karate can compliment Christianity, rather than contrasting against it. Karate can be a great way of developing not only physical skill, but also attitudes such as patience, peace and self control, which are among those found in the Bible, in Galatians 5:22.
ESKA Nationals
|
The Nationals are hosted once a year by Kobushi Karate Club at Preston, and are also attended by Sangaku Karate Club, from Runcorn and Widnes, and Kokoro Karate Club, from Newcastle. There are four types of events, Singles Kata and Kumite, and Team Kata and Kumite, and these are mostly split up into males and females, and different age and belt rankings. The top four competitors in any event recieved a trophy, and Junior and Senior Spirit of the Day awards being given out as well.
ESKA NATIONALS 2003
|
The ESKA Nationals 2003 were fully enjoyed by all, although they were less well attended than previous years. Four members of Renketsu attended, Sam, Pete, Joel and Rebecca, with Sensei Andy refereeing all day. THere were no prizes for Renketsu in the Kata section, although full effort was made by all. Sam and Pete came second and third respectively in their Kumite category, with Joel being beaten by a girly girl and Rebecca narrowly missing out as well. The Male Black Belt Kumite section was won by Sensei Chris, despite being hit by some illegal moves, he showed great Spirit and continued to the end.
ESKA NATIONALS 2002
|
The Nationals were on the 6th of October and they were enjoyed by everyone who took part, and the spectators as well!
Singles Kata. Firstly we all did Heian Sandan, and Sam and Robbo were tied for second place. They then did Heian Nidan, and Sam did the better Kata, and so recieved 2nd place. I was tied for 4th place with another person, so I did Heian Nidan. I got the better mark, but then the judge noticed there was another person tied with us. They came through to beat us both, disaster! So I was resigned to 5th place, and got no trophy.
Team Kata. We did Heian Nidan, and recieved a good score, but it was not enough to beat a team of Black Belts from Preston's Kobushi Karate Club. I do not think this event was particularly fair as it had groups of child white belts up against groups of adult black belts.
Singles Kumite. I was knocked out in the first round, by Sam, who went on to finish fourth overall. Robbo, however, masterfully won all but one of his fights, and ended up second, beating some difficult competitors on the way. Sam sustained an injury to his foot, but he is *ok* now! (Although his short term memory is a bit dodgy hehehe)
Team Kumite. This event has 2 teams each with 5 competitors fighting each other. Me and Robbo entered,but Sam could not as he was injured. Our team was made up of Green and White Belts, and we were pitted against a groups of Black Belts. They were not fair fights. I lost both my fights, as did Robbo, however, the team of Black Belts from our Sangaku group won the event. Well done to Senseis Andy, Chris, Bekki, Aiden, and Tom.
In all, this was a great day, and despite a few injuries, everyone enjoyed the competition.