Karate in Tacoma

Characteristics of Karate

Karate is primarily a striking art that teaches practitioners to utilize punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and open hand strikes to disable opponents. It is an ideal sport for learning self-defense and benefits each and every student in the following ways:

• Physical fitness
• Discipline
• Focus
• Respect for everyone
• Goal-setting

Most styles of karate also extend into throws and joint locks, with the extent of this dependent upon the style. Weapons are utilized in most styles as well. Interestingly, these weapons are often farm tools, as the use of them originated during a time when weapons were banned in Okinawa by invaders. By using farm tools, Okinawans did not bring attention to the fact that they were practicing to defend themselves.

Basic Goals of Karate

The basic goal of karate is self-defense. It teaches practitioners to block the strikes of opponents and then disable them quickly with pinpoint strikes. When takedowns are employed within the art, these tend to be used to set up finishing strikes.

Our extensive karate programs are taught by certified trainers in an encouraging environment and adapted to suit the needs of different age groups. Emphasis is laid on the philosophy of karate, which lays stress on karate as a way of life, of achieving physical-mental-spiritual balance and not just as a set of techniques to overthrow an opponent.

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