Karate for beginners [Martial Arts]

Karate For Beginners

This martial arts style became known as karate, Japanese for 'empty hands,' and today it is among the most famous martial arts in the world.

Perhaps you want to learn karate, but don't know where to start. Maybe you've already begun but could use a little extra advice. Either way, we're here to help. We'll offer some great advice on karate for beginners in the paragraphs below.

1. Understand Karate 

It's about peace, not conflict. The philosophy is that there are going to be bullies in the world, and that's inevitable.

However, bullies are after power and control, except that they are after power and control over others, not themselves. Knowing that somebody can stand up for themselves, if need be, should ward off some of them.

Karate can also help you dismiss certain bully tactics like namecalling and hurtful remarks. If they can't make you care, then they may leave you alone.

Conflict should be avoided at all costs, but karate will help with the conflicts that can't be avoided.

Of course, it's also best to understand how a certain karate class works before joining it. Every group has a different dynamic, and every teacher has a different approach. It may be best to observe a class before deciding if it's right for you.

2. Be Respectful

If peace is the first cornerstone of karate, respect is the second. Respect is one of the key factors in avoiding conflict. It is the difference between a difference of opinion or a friendly debate and an argument.

This will be evident during your first day in the martial arts dojo. You will be expected to address your teacher as Sir, Ma'am, or Sensei. You will also need to see and treat your fellow students as equals.

3. Stretch

One great tip about karate for beginners is to stretch. Karate is just like any other physical activity in that it helps to warm up first.

Stretching before and after any kind of workout offers a whole host of benefits for the body.

For karate, in particular, it's best to use stretches that require a wider range of movement. Not only will this prepare your whole body for physical activity, but it can also help prevent injuries.

Keep in mind, that injuries are going to happen occasionally, and there's nothing anyone can do to change that. However, the less often it happens, the better your experience is going to be.

4. Expect To Work Hard

5. Meditation

6. It Doesn't End In The Dojo

We've already mentioned that martial arts are about more than just learning to hit things. It's a philosophy, and it's a philosophy that carries far beyond the walls of the dojo.

You may find that the discipline, respect, and personal knowledge you gain begins to affect other aspects of your life, most likely for the better. You may find that you concentrate harder on work and other tasks you have to do.

Perhaps you have less conflict in your life. Perhaps you don't take things as personally as you used to. We all take things the wrong way sometimes, and the self-awareness you gain through karate can be a great help.

Karate For Beginners: Advice For Starting Out

Are you or your child feeling sluggish? Are you struggling with self-confidence or self-discipline and focus? Want to lose weight and get back in shape?

The benefits of martial arts could be the answer you're seeking. Martial arts provides a variety of benefits for the body and the mind, including stronger physical well being and better brain health.

Benefits Of Martial Arts

Whether you're a child or an adult, practicing the art and the philosophy of martial arts can get and keep you in top form for a healthier body and a stronger mind.

In this post, you'll discover seven main benefits of martial arts. Without further delay, let's go!

How Training Helps You Get The Benefits Of Martial Arts

The Takeaway On The Benefits Of Martial Arts

Here are 11 things you can do to get better at martial arts faster.

1.) Martial Arts Tip - Come To Class

It is impossible to progress in your martial arts journey without regular attendance. Simply put, there is just too much to learn and not enough time to to learn it. In the beginning, your rate of progress is mostly dictated by how often you attend class. Next, let's say that you are an intermediate student. Now, your progress is determined by how often your instructor can refine and correct the small inconsistencies and mistakes in your form. 

Finally, there are two things that you need to improve faster in the martial arts. First, you need the guidance of your instructor, Second, you need to drill with a multitude of different types of people. Both of these valuable assets can be found in class. 

2.) Take Meticulous Written Notes

So, how exactly does you take full and complete responsibility for your own progress?

Martial Arts Tip 2:  First, take meticulous notes.

In particular, I'm not talking about written notes, rather mental notes.

When I first stated training in Kung Fu, I was 19 years old and I was not very interested in taking notes. Today, my teacher is no longer with us. I wish I could somehow go back in time and take notes. He gave out gems of knowledge in almost every class. In all probability, I may have retained 50% of the nuggets of information.

5.) Visualize

Martial Arts Tip 3. I read and study about how effective visualization can be when performing at high levels. As for me, I can't always remember all of the details. However, I try to remember the key points.

Researchers took a group of people and divided them into 2 groups. They had the fist group visualize throwing a basketball into the hoop. In short, these subjects were only allowed to visualize but not actually practice. However, the second group was allowed to practice with real basketballs and hoops. After a few weeks, they measured the improvement inability to score and the results were nearly identical.

Surprisingly, you can use this exact type of training for martial arts. Sometimes, you don't have to practice with a partner. Instead, visualize an opponent in front of you and go through various scenarios. First, see them throw the punch at you and think about how you would react. Practice counter attacking them and see yourself winning the fight. Do this a few times a week and you will see massive improvement.

In conclusion, go through your entire system until you have mastered every single kick. This is your path to black belt.

7.) Challenge Yourself 

Sooner or later, you will have to make a conscious decision regarding your progress. Once you decide to challenge yourself in every aspect of your training, your progress will take off.

When you first start, you feel like you are always playing a game of catch up. You can feel like you are drowning when you compete against some of your more experienced classmates. Obviously, you are still developing your basic skills. However, there comes a time when you have enough knowledge that you can sit back and become complacent. You need to find the next challenge. Definitely, make sure that anything you are working on is HARD. You want to find techniques and strategies that take you months of work. Ultimately, you can do keep searching for new higher levels of training and opportunities to progress, indefinitely​. 

8.) Sign Up For A Few Private Lessons

Generally speaking, Private lessons are a great way to get custom instruction on the parts of martial arts that YOU want to work on. In addition, a one on one session with your instructor will give you both, teaching that is at your pace and  correction on proper execution of techniques.

Furthermore, a private lesson will allow your instructor to communicate a new plan for your next step in the martial arts. Your instructor can give you a plan and method of practice to get you at the level you want to be.

Finally, private Instruction can give you the path to a very fast progression in the martial arts.

10.) Think About Competing

Basically, one competition can be worth 3 months of training. Preparing for a tournament makes you train harder. You know that the competition date is right around the corner. Your intensity rises in class. This prep phase sharpens your all of your existing techniques.

You will expose yourself to different types of styles and fighters that you just can't work against in class.  

Finally, you can test your favorite techniques against new opponents who have never seen your stuff before. In class, you classmates know how you fight, they have figured out ways to counter you.  In addition, you have figured their game out as well. 

When competing, you know nothing of this opponent, and they know nothing about you.

12.) Always Be Practicing

In my opinion, if you have to set a time to practice every day you will not be successful. Instead, think about ways you can incorporate practicing into your DAILY routine. For example, while showering, train to hold your Kung Fu stance. Or, try balancing on one foot while you brush your teeth at night. Also, as you sweep your deck, do it as if you are practicing the Shaolin Staff.

Sometimes, our lives are hectic and we do get busy. However, you will be surprised at how much practice you can get in a day if you follow this advice.

Indeed, as teachers, we are always trying to tell students to make martial arts a part of their life. This is the way to do that. In conclusion, take martial arts and use it as a vehicle to improve yourself.

In Conclusion, These Martial Arts Tips Should Help You Become The Best you Can Be

As you can imagine, over the 27 years that I have been teaching I have heard all of the excuses. Most people don know this, but I am tired of hearing them. There is only one path to progress in the martial arts. This path is consistency. Did you know that, over the years we have lost more people to life changes than to any other reason? I know that some thing can't be helped. For instance, a divorce or loss of a job. However, To really reach the higher levels of the martial arts you need to set up your life in such a way that will allow for years of constancy. This is the only way you will ever get there.