FAQs
THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
where does karate come from?
Finding its origin in the Chinese martial arts, the Tode which will become the "karate" developed discreetly during five centuries and Tomari, before conquering Japan in the interwar period. The history of the development of karate is full of twists and particularly exciting, but too long to be developed in this FAQ!
Maybe in the blog soon?
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but what is it actually? a combat sport ? a martial art? a philosophy?
Karate is definitely a martial art, we will seek the practitioner's personal development, emotional control, the search for maximum technical efficiency while keeping a respectful and humble attitude.
A union of body and mind.
Competitions exist but must reflect a martial attitude, unmeasured behavior or the fact of inveighing against the opponent would lead to immediate exclusion from the competition.
This is not for me; I am neither flexible nor muscular!
The authentic martial art, BUDO, is not based on athletic skills. Regular practice and training improves strength and flexibility, but above all knowledge of one's own body and understanding of its operation. The kicks in the face, the wide gaps and the hypertrophied muscles are impressive, but ineffective in our martial art...
In fact, learning the dynamics of the body and learning to avoid unnecessary contractions will allow you to use your own body in the most effective way possible.
Are the competitions violent?
In budo karate the referees are above all fighters, a touch without dynamics or with vague supports will not be counted. We will also add other types of formative competition :
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kogo kumite (alternate combat)
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fuku-go (alternatively kata kittei et kumite)
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the embu (pre-arranged fight of 1 minute )
Regarding the fights, any bad attitude, any uncontrolled emotional state leads to the end of the fight by the referee!
The pedagogical system developed by Nishiyama sensei avoids many injuries.
do you have to understand Japanese?
Don't worry, the terms are simple and explained each time, understanding is progressive.
We end up integrating the Japanese terms without even realizing it, it's part of learning.
Is there any opposition with other karate clubs in the region?
Absolutely not, sports karate or kyokushinkai type "contact" karate is simply based on other concepts. It is up to the practitioner to find the discipline that allows him to flourish.
Are there several methods? several federations?
Yes, there are many schools, originating from Okinawa, Japan and elsewhere, with names of styles, filiations and countless variations! In addition, some schools have a contact practice, others have a more sporting vision, and still others are steeped in Japanese culture to varying degrees.
Karate is like a tree with many branches...
In traditional karate-do we will be more interested in the roots, in the foundations.
It is this specificity that makes the experience interesting and even adaptable to other martial disciplines or other sports …
How much does it cost for a year, license, membership, equipment?
Five years ago, we created the club with few means but an unwavering will. We have decided to make membership affordable, with a humanistic goal and allow everyone to practice at the lowest cost.
The price remains €150 for the school year, license, membership and insurance included €90 for schoolchildren.
For the karate-gi, the outfit in mainstream stores does not exceed a few tens of euros.
Of course trial classes are free and possible throughout the year
Can you find tutorials online?
Learning karate alone on videos means depriving yourself of sensory, emotional and intellectual feedback. You will miss the essential of the transmission.
Learning via zoom is possible. Covid 19 will have taught us how to use the digital tool to stay in constant educational and visual contact with the main teachers…
On a positive note, watching videos is motivating and can boost your training.
There are videos on the principles of budo karate,
I recommend the videos of Avi rokah, in English, of total clarity.
introduction to the channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya6xkf_UhBE&t=3s
I'm over 60, is it too late for me?
One of the best questions I've been asked over the past decade is: "What is your goal when you train?
Don't look for an immediate answer.
What are we really looking for?
If it's a satisfaction of the ego, titles of glory, a place of champion, a status of master, indeed at 60 it may be a little too late.
If you are looking to improve physically and emotionally, if you want to immerse yourself in a benevolent atmosphere where you refocus on yourself and your relationship with others..._cc781905-5cde-3194- bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ Age doesn't matter!
video of sensei perla fernandez 93 years old at my friend daniel tobias sensei's dojo in uruguay
Can I come and see how the lessons are going? Can I come for a trial lesson?
What is the most difficult in the discovery of a martial art is to push the door of the dojo.
Because by opening this porte porte we don't know what we are going to discover and we know that we are stepping out of our comfort zone.
The effort is worth it and every great journey begins with a first step.
We will welcome you with pleasure and kindness.
A casual outfit such as jogging is perfect for a practice session.
I don't want to take exams.
The examinations are not systematic and do not close the end of the season. The teacher (the "sensei" in Japanese) follows your progress and offers you to pass the grades when you are ready.
It's a prayer at the beginning of class, why are you bowing down?
The question rightly arises for the neophyte. No more prayer than sectarian drift, just the persistence of the Japanese tradition . During the seiza we refocus on our posture and our breathing, we calm down internally and we mentally prepare ourselves.
On certain occasions the Kun dojo (rules of the dojo) may be recited at this time
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seek perfection of character
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be faithful
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be constant in effort
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respect others
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restrain violent conduct
The salute to the shomen (wall of honor where the portraits of the Sensei who preceded us are displayed), as well as the salute to the teachers, to the guests, and the salute addressed before each exercise to our partner are simply politeness, respect and courtesy.
Neither submission nor religiosity.
Are there children's lessons?
Not yet, but the desire is there.
The results of studies obtained by our friends in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland, Uruguay or the United States on the improvement of the general attitude concentration of children encourage us to consider opening a children's section as soon as possible.
classes are open from 13/14 years old.
I would prefer body karate, or a softer karate. Do you offer any?
You can take karate and reinvent it according to your needs, we have seen the creation of artistic karate, combat karate, body karate, defense karate, etc…
We can create endless variations, make courses for young people, women, seniors, create courses according to grades, etc, it's endless!
Budo karate is much more inclusive than that: in essence we all have all different abilities, weaknesses, different bodies, different expectationsBUTthe biodynamics of our bodies remains the same and the learning remains the same: always respecting the skills of our practitioners.
To reassure you more, the sensei is a health professional ;-)