Karate, which means "empty hand," is a martial art that originated in the early 1600s in Japan. In his book "Karate," Tim O'Shei writes that a samurai took over the Ryukyuan kingdom in Okinawa and people needed a way to defend themselves. Punches, kicks and blocks were used against the samurai and his swords; from this, the martial art was created. Karate has since spread globally, with thousands of people practicing.
Choosing a School
Sanette Smit writes in his book "Karate: The Essential Guide to Mastering the Art" that not all karate schools are the same or follow the same style. Certain schools focus on power training or fighting style, while others focus on the traditional style of kata. Check out several schools before committing to one. Observe the teacher's, or sensei's, approach to see if you connect to it. Does the school instill anxiety or comfort in its students? Make sure the school is registered or affiliated with national karate bodies. This is vital if you want to advance your practice to a national or international level or teach.
The Importance of the Sensei
Sensei translates to mean "first born." The sensei will serve as your teacher and guide as you progress through the ranks to become a teacher. To become a sensei, you will go through about eight years of training and hard work. It is customary to show the sensei respect by bowing before commencing a training session. The bow is symbolic of asking to be taught and being grateful for the teachings. A sensei's teachings may seem harsh at times, but in the end, he is looking out for your best interest -- to advance as a student of karate.
Instructor Rankings
The American Karate and Martial Science has varying ranks and requirements of instructors. To become a certified instructor, you need 1,000 hours of supervised lessons. An assistant instructor will have completed the certified instructor requirements and may teach unsupervised under a chief instructor. The next level is instructor, who has has the black belt rank for five years and instructs under a chief, master or senior instructor. A senior instructor has had his own club, school or black belt for 10 years, and teaches under a master or chief instructor. A chief instructor is an owner of his own club or school and has had 15 years at black belt rank. A master instructor is also an owner of a school, with 20 or more years with a black belt, including a 5th degree black belt or higher.
Mission
The mission of certain karate organizations, such as the American Karate and Martial Science, is not to produce instructors, although it is an option for those who want to pursue that path. Their mission instead is to help students have confidence in character, mind and body. After a student has spent years honing his skills and competing in tournaments, he may choose to give back by teaching. This is a natural progression that can occur for advanced students.
References
- "Karate"; Tim O'Shei; 2008
- "Karate: The Essential Guide to Mastering the Art"; Sanette Smit; 2001
- American Karate & Martial Science: Rank and Instructor Certification
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