Karate (meaning the way of the empty hand) is a traditional Japanese Martial Art that requires discipline in mind and body.
The classes start with a thorough warm up, leading on to basic techniques which we practice upon command up and down the hall - leading to them being known colloquially within the club as the ‘ups and downs’. We have a drink break and then break into groups for kata practice.
The beginner level is white belt, and after the first couple of months, new members will be invited to participate in a grading held locally at the weekends. The grading will allow students the opportunity to progress to a new colour belt, which in turn allows them to learn the next part of the syllabus. Each belt also has a 3 stripe system, which demonstrates progression within that belt towards the next grading.
As students advance through the belts, the syllabus becomes progressively more complex. As well as adding multiple katas to learn simultaneously, the katas also become longer and more technically challenging. For this reason, the time between gradings gradually extends, along with stamina being introduced.
Once a student reaches their 2nd Blue belt, they are now considered ‘high-grade’. This involves higher levels of discipline, both within their technique and etiquette within the class. Weapon katas are also introduced, adding a further layer of knowledge. At this stage, it’s not uncommon for students to spend a minimum of 6 months to a year on each belt.