What is Karate
Karate is fundamentally the practice and development of blocking and striking techniques for the purpose of self defence, health and self development. Training is structured into three main sections -Kihon(basic techniques), Kata(combinations of techniques) and Kumite(sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite (sparring) will be introduced to the beginner as basic blocking and counter attacking, but will ultimately lead to freestyle fighting, where the practitioners are required to attack with, and defend against unannounced and unspecified attacks
Different coloured belts are used to denote skill and seniority levels. There are nine 'kyu' grades, below black belt, with the higher number denoting the lower grade - for example, a 9th kyu would be a relative beginner. There are ten levels of black belt, or Dan grades, with the higher number denoting the most senior grade. There is a fixed period of time between grades, which means that a 5th dan in karate should have at least twenty years experience and maturity.