Martial arts is a great skill to learn in life. It teaches you self defense while keeping your senses more aware and your body more fit. By learning it, people will have more control over their bodies and learn how to protect themselves should the need arise. There are a lot of forms of martial arts and one of them is karate.
Karate is a Japanese martial art that teaches people defensive moves and counterattacks. Unlike other forms of martial arts that involve investing in equipment, karate doesn’t require people to buy anything because it can be done even when completely unarmed.
By having no equipment to hold on to, people who learn karate would have to focus on kicking, striking, and blocking with their arms and legs. They should also concentrate on the impact that they can land on their opponents.
Karate is fun to learn and it can be a little challenging at first. Given its popularity in the United States and in several parts of the world, more and more people wish to learn more about it and try it for themselves. Among the factors that contributed to this is the rise of karate-inspired projects such as Karate Kid and Cobra Kai.
For those who wish to learn karate, they should always keep in mind that they should come prepared for their very first class. More importantly, they should know what to expect before stepping into the dojo of their choice. With that, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before joining one of our Coach Karate classes:
Arrive on time
Students should arrive at least twenty minutes early to familiarise themselves with the facilities. Players should be ready to begin at least five minutes before the specified class time. Arriving late will make participants stressed and disturbed. Also, it can disrupt the instructors and students. By showing up on time, students can demonstrate respect for others and for themselves as well.
Karate is for everyone
Karate is a physical activity that people can try. As intimidating as it may see, some people tend to have a misconception that karate is only for bigger people who can tolerate the attacks being thrown at them. This isn’t true because karate is for everyone. This means that it can be done by big and small people and they will all be treated equally.
Regardless of size and strength, students should always know that karate is strategy-based so as long as they listen to their lessons, they can do well on their performance.
Have an open mind
Karate, like every other martial art, has its own set of customs and traditions. Consider the significance of these old salutations and traditions and why they’re included in the practise rather than dismissing them.
Being nervous is normal
Feeling nervous is normal when trying something for the first time. This is applicable to first-timers since they will be entering a new environment. This applies to the fact that they’ll be wearing new uniforms and will meet new people in the form of their classmates and teacher.
Before heading to a class, people should try to discuss their expectations with someone and have an open mind about what can happen. By getting the right support, stepping into a class can be more exciting. Also, they should keep in mind that it’s perfectly fine to get nervous. What matters is that they have trust in the facility they have chosen and on the people who will be teaching them.
Believe in one’s self
Planning to go to a karate class can be a little nerve-wracking, especially when it gets to be compared to YouTube videos and movies. First-timers would have to keep positive thoughts to themselves instead of telling themselves that they lack the expertise, the body, or patience to execute the moves.
If possible, they should ditch this kind of mentality and believe in themselves. So instead of focusing on doubts, people should be more focused on practice, focus, and determination. This is important since dojos are great places that allow self confidence to thrive.
Be familiar with the terms
Learn the most important karate phrases since there will be a few terminologies that will be used all throughout the classes. With that, here are a few terminologies to keep in mind and what they mean:
- Karateka: a karate practitioner
- Kihon: the fundamentals of karate such as breathing, self-awareness, bio-mechanics, and techniques
- Kata: ancient forms and models of detailed and predefined movement patterns used in karate that incorporate self-defense combat symbols, codes, and structure | can only be learned after Kihon
- Dojo: karate school or training facility
- Zarei: bowing down or lowering the head as a sign of respect
Always show respect
Learn about the karate technique of bowing. Bowing before sparring or doing drills with another person in the dojo is a mutual expression of respect amongst practitioners, regardless of their level of expertise. To demonstrate respect for the dojo, the history, and the practice, players will bow as you enter and exit the dojo, as well as at the beginning and finish of class.
Stay determined
Almost every beginner’s issue is the lack of mental strength to get through the difficult beginnings. Many people are under the impression that they are being dominated on the mats, or that they are not good enough. Whatever the reason, avoid falling into a pessimistic mindset. It’s pointless to give up and end karate before fully learning it.
By being patient enough to give it a shot, people will know why it is an amazing form of martial arts. More importantly, learning how to love it will massively change a person’s life.
Learn from mistakes
Making mistakes is an inevitable aspect of life. During the first class, students are not expected to have the same skills as an experienced black belter. So if you make a mistake or a teacher points out some areas for improvement, simply admit the error and correct it. Do not concentrate on mistakes, grow frustrated, or apologise. Simply use the learnings to keep moving forward.
Have a clear mind
You must attend class fully focused on the task at hand. This entails removing any distracting ideas and emotions from the mind. This is because the main emphasis should be on paying attention to the instructor and performing the movements correctly. Before class begins, take a deep breath and get rid of any problems about school, work, or family life to be able to focus on the class.
Know how to tie a karate belt
Learn how to tie a karate belt. White, yellow, yellow with a black stripe, green, green with a black stripe, purple, brown, brown with one, two, or three black stripes, and black are the degrees of belts. In general, the darker the shade of the belt, the more experience students have. Although instructors may show how to knot a karate belt in class, mastering the steps ahead of time can be an advantage.
Prepare for pain
Anyone’s first karate lessons will most likely be a complete nightmare. Those who’ve done rigorous workouts before might get through their classes with less pain. Total beginners, on the other hand, will most likely leave their bodies and souls on the mats.
Aside from the body pain, those who are not accustomed to getting a few blows in the body may also receive some bruises during the first karate sessions. Though it may hurt, people should not take it as a reason to stop. Rather, they should keep in mind that it is a part of the learning process and that they’ll get through it eventually.
Be humble
Beginnings in karate are difficult, unpleasant, and humiliating. This is a test where students must demonstrate dedication and discipline to the instructors. People should maintain their composure, embrace the challenges, and concentrate on learning as much as possible.
Classes are not the place to flaunt some ego or engage in a quarrel. Nobody enjoys being dominated on the mats over and over again, but rather than allowing their emotions to take over and react rashly, students should view each setback as a learning opportunity.
Listen
Always make sure to be attentive during the classes. Every single part of the lessons are important so make sure to understand them very well. Aside from the strategies that come with the lessons, a part of it also teaches students on how they can protect themselves. Therefore, they must listen attentively so as to ensure that they won’t be in trouble when they get hit by their opponents.
These are just some facts that people would have to keep in mind whenever they’re planning to take their first karate lessons. By learning more about these tips, people can be more familiar with what they can expect if they’re thinking about trying out this exciting form of martial arts. With these tips, Coach Karate hopes that students will be more motivated to go to their classes as they come in prepared!