A. KARATE is an Oriental system of physical and mental exercises, designed to develop in a student, good physical condition and alertness of mind, and to utilize both for self defense.

A. KARATE had its basic origins more than 5000 years ago. It began in India, developed in China and then traveled many different roads to other countries.

A. This is a style of Karate which is considered to be hard and soft. This means the practitioner is strong against an enemy and yet possesses calmness and inner confidence with humility. Basically Karate consists of three related areas of training:

1. Training of the body to include muscle coordination, balance, strength, speed, and stamina.
2. Training of the mind to include intense concentration, awareness, emotional discipline, confidence and serenity.
3. Training in self defense to include timing, distancing, accuracy techniques of blocking and counter-attacking and psychological principles of fighting.

These traits are developed through a series of exercise called 'Kata'. A Kata consists of self defense movements combined into a dance like exercise and is practiced until the student has mastered it completely. All training in Karate revolves around its system of Kata. Without these forms the Karate method is shallow and lacks the disciplined training necessary to attain enlightenment and inner confidence.