WHAT IS KARATE
Karate is a system of fighting which originated in the island of Okinawa, which lies 450 kilometers southwest of Japan. The term karate, meaning 'China hand', first appears in the latter half of the 17th century when a famous Master took the name 'Karate Sakugawa'. Sakugawa was a student both of the native Okinawan fighting art of to-de and one of the many Chinese martial arts (or chuan'fa).
Modern karate is a well-organized and regulated fighting system using punches, kicks and strikes as its weapons. Over the years, much work has been done on the development of impact force with the result that blows can be extremely forceful. A skilled karateka (one who practices karate) can shatter several bricks with a single blow. Karate is also a combat sport, utilizing controlled techniques to score points.
HISTORY OF SA JKA
The South African Affiliate of the JKA (SA JKA) was established by Stan Schmidt (8th Dan JKA) in 1963. He studied at the JKA Headquarters under Nakayama Masatoshi (10th Dan, JKA) and his cadre of famous instructors. The SA JKA has grown since then with the largest membership in the country which makes it also the most authoritative Karate organization in SA. SA JKA is well represented in all 9 provinces across South Africa with its headquarters in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
BENEFITS OF KARATE
Of course karate has many benefits, some people practice karate to keep fit, others for the obvious self-defence, others do it for the competitive side, to get colours or represent the country on a sporting level and some simply for the comradery and fun. Our dojos are very family orientated and although we do have many families training with us, we are one big karate family following traditional morals, values and ways to better our lives and those around us.
WHO SHOULD DO KARATE?
Karate especially “Budo” karate that we practice is for everyone, young and old across all cultures. It is a way of life and can be practiced for a whole lifetime. Budo’s purpose is to benefit life in general — and it is a lifelong pursuit. With our training comes the idea that we need to be good people and productive members of society, because without that, we could become very effective bullies or villains. Most importantly, when we have control of ourselves (each, our own “self”), we are most able to help others.
