Karate is the most popular form of oriental martial art, created in China and brought to Japan, where it was developed.
Karate-dō means “the art of the empty hand” and those who have taken up this art call themselves “karatekas”, but in the Russian language the word “karatists” was used more. Many see karate as a self-defence technique and a way to exercise effectively. But first of all karate is a way of life, a philosophy and a special path for development. These grants impressive new abilities, remarkable strength, as well as the highest spiritual practice, opening up new horizons for every person. An experienced karateka masters the technique of control over their emotions and is able to determine and correctly react to the opponent’s behaviour.
There are several types of karate:
- Traditional karate is aimed at the all-round development of the human body and spirit.
- Sports karate is practised for participation in competitions, training the will to win and the ability to fight and endure. There is also a non-contact category in this type of karate.
- Combat karate is a practical military discipline adapted for specific combat missions.
In addition to forms, karate is subdivided into styles. In our school, a popular Karate style is practised today – Jyoshinmon Shorin-ryu. It is distinguished by a few principles: it combines all of the above types of karate, it is a very new style and after a few changes has been in service with most of the state security services. The founder of Jyoshinmon is the legendary Japanese karate grand master Ikeda Hoshu. The name “Jyoshinmon” can be translated as “School of Unshakable Spirit”, but if you say it even more simply, then “Jyoshinmon” is “the way to tranquillity“.
Many years ago the art of karate was kept secret. But today you yourself can be part of this great sacrament and become someone not afraid of either the blows from the enemy or the blows of fate.
It is especially important to instil a love for karate from childhood. In our school we follow the motto “Karate for health, not health for karate”, because this form of oriental martial art is absolutely safe. And thanks to the regular, fun and useful exercises under the supervision of our experienced coaches, children receive invaluable skills: endurance, agility, ultra-fast responses, well-developed intuition, self-control, patience, and excellent physical shape. Our students become more motivated and accustomed to discipline, which is also very important for life outside of school.
A physically strong and healthy child learns better, is more diligent and attentive. Children understand that karate is not only work on the body, but also training for the spirit and willpower. Also everyone knows that self-defence skills can always come in handy in the future. Karate recently became an official Olympic sport, and competitions and championships are often held in Estonia and abroad. Our students regularly take part in them and take first place. Every karateka overcomes any obstacles, always moves forward and achieves their goals in all spheres of life. Karate is the key to a healthy spirit in a healthy body!