What is Karate-do?

It is a martial art in which the ultimate purpose is not to seek to win, but to work towards perfection of character by the accumulation of experience through training. It is also a form of self-defence using all parts of the body, which, by hard and systematic training, become effective and powerful weapons. Karate encompasses whole body movements which develop balance so that an overall maturity of movement is created. Karate incorporates the uses of the entire body in which the legs, hips, spinal column, shoulders and arms are all made to react with each other in a mechanically coordinated system, so that the power which has been created at different joints of the body is finally channelled into a single area with tremendous force.
This kind of coordination is achieved through the constant practice of basic movements (Kihon) which, due to their variety and complexity, can be considered as a complete art form themselves. The mastery of these fundamental techniques ensures a strong foundation for progress and expansion in the other two aspects of Karate-do, being formal exercises (Kata) and sparring (Kumite).

How effective is Karate for Self-Defence?

Good Karate is the most effective form of unarmed combat in existence. The main reasons are simple: it is designed to disable with one move, it has techniques against all forms of attack; it was developed through centuries of harsh experience; it trains the mental and emotional skills of combat, together with the physical.
Strength and size are not important in Karate. It can be done well whatever your strength, although a week person will become stronger as he/she progresses. Karate teaches you how to avoid possible confrontations, it is better to de-fuse or to avoid a dangerous situation than to confront it.

How good is Karate for Fitness?

Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate uses every part of the body and is an excelant activity for conditioning the muscles. Karate helps to develop balance, poise, flexibility, strength, speed and stamina. Most important, especially for older students and sedentary workers, is the strengthening of heart and lung action, the legs are exercised particularly well in Karate practice and any doctor will confirm that this is essential in circulatory health. Karate is not seasonal, so condition can be maintained throughout the year.

Are there any other benefits from Karate?

Karate has provided its adherents with benefits more significant than competence in physical combat. Patience, a strong character, self control, confidence, mental and physical stamina are to name but a few. The true rewards are in the improvement of mind, body and character. Without this threefold development, mastery of the techniques is impossible. Great personal effort and mental concentration are needed to learn karate but the rewards are enormous. Becoming part of a Karate club and association is also a means of developing friendship and improving the social side of life.

Can anyone take up Karate?

Yes, Karate is for anyone, Men, women and children, any age and at all levels of fitness. Every girl and women should know what to do if attacked and a few tricks learned from a self-defence book or a well meaning relative are simply not enough. Ladies in our classes get the same training as the men. Children can benefit from self-discipline and the skills acquired will help to improve their character and self-confidence.
People have gained their Black Belts after 60 and have practiced the art well into their 80's. Older people, both men and women, also recieve the same training as the rest of the class, although naturally the instructor will not expect them to progress as quickly and will not demand the same level of endurance.
The training is non-competitive and you can adjust it to suit your own stamina and abilities, but the harder you practice the more you will benefit.

Does any Disability rule out Karate?

Almost never. Karate involves so many kinds of movement that techniques can be adapted to make up for almost any handicap, however a doctor's advice should always be sought first.
For anyone, a medical check-up is only common sense before any new physical activity. However your doctor should be told that karate need not involve terrific physical stress. You can keep your training at whatever level of stress is safe for you.

What happens in the lessons?

Karate training is made up of three main areas collectively known as the "3 K's, Kihon (The Basics), Kata (The Forms) and Kumite (The Sparring).
Kihon involves the systematic practice of the varous blocks, strikes, punches and kicks.
Kata are formal exercises of pre-determined defensive and offensive techniques against several imaginary opponents. It is said that the secret of Karate is hidden in these compositions. There are 27 kata in Shotokan Karate and a new kata or a series of kata are learnt after each grading promotion.
Kumite is the practice of techniques learned in Kihon but with real opponents. Like Kata, most of the sparring consists of pre-determined techniques and is performed with either non-contact or light contact with great control. Higher grade students will practice 'free style sparring' (where the moves are not pre-determined), but the same level of control is still expected.

Will I get bored and give up?

It is a simple fact that callisthenics, or other "exercise for the sake of exercise" becomes a chore after the first enthusiasm passes and almost invariably is dropped. Karate becomes more interesting and rewarding as you go on, without any limit.
Even after years of training, Karate-ka (students) will still be learning or improving techniques and after each grade promotion will give you an "exercise project" (mostly the kata's) which can occupy you for life.

How fast can you progress?

Kyu gradings (pre-black belt) are held every three months. Although it is common that students do grade every 3 months, they are not expected to do so and are only encouraged to when their instructor feels they have reach the necessary ability to obtain the next grade. A simple guideline for the lower grades is that with frequent training it should be possible to achieve the next grade after 20 lessons or more. A guideline of 30 lessons is used once the grade of brown belt is reached

The key to success are concentration, hard effort and extra practice. However, thinking always of the next promotion is contrary to the spirit of true karate and can hamper progress. In reality, obtaining a black belt is merely the start, not the end.

Who will my Instructor be?

ESKA is fortunate to have a number of highly experienced black belt instructors, all of which have qualified under a coaching programme. Some of the higher grade brown belts are either qualified as assistant instructors or are in training to become instructors. At the Stevenage Club all instruction is overseen by Sensei Michael Nursey. As a beginner you would be taught by one of the senior grades until you are conversant with some of the basic techniques, often on a one-to-one basis.

What should I wear?

In the beginning we ask that you wear loose-fitting clothes, i.e. a tracksuit and t-shirt and to remove any items of jewellery. If items cannot be removed we ask that they are tapped over for your own safety and that of your fellow students.
After the initial introduction period you would need to get a Karate suit (GI), which can be obtained through the clubs.

What do the belt colours mean and what order are they worn in?

Beginners wear a white belt. After the student has learnt the initial basics of Karate they are then graded to 10th Kyu (grade) and this is shown by the blue belt. Each grade is represented either by a different colour belt or by the addition of coloured stripes. The junior students have additional grades/belts in order to ensure that their progression towards black is tightly controlled. See the 'Belts' section on our 'Technical' page for more information.