What Are Karate Classes Like?

February 4, 2021

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Karate classes

Table of Contents

Well, every class is different but most classes contain basically five things. The warm-up, the stretching, the techniques, Kata and Kumite. A normal class should run for 1 hour.

Let’s discuss a normal Karate class, first, all students bow when they enter the dojo, then they line up by their rank from white to black belt. After they salute their sensei then they get started with the warm-up.

Here is a Karate Goju Ryu Demo where you can see basic blocking, striking, punching techniques, and Kata.

The Warm-up

The warm-up usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes where the students prepare their bodies for the class, they can do jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, running, bear walking, and many other exercises to get their body warmed up and ready.

The Stretching

After the warm-up comes to the stretching, it is usually for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the day because some days the class will be on techniques, Kata or Kumite. The students then stretch their upper body and lower body.

The Techniques

All strikes, punches, blocks, kicks, and stances need to be reviewed and practiced. Here is when students learn how to properly execute each one of them. They might practice with a partner who would kick or punch them in order to practice blocking.

The Techniques in Karate

Kata

Kata are the forms where the students put everything together in harmony on sequences by their rank. Combinations of kicks, blocks, punches, and stances all together into a masterpiece. Here Rika Usami performing Kata Chatanyara Kushanku

Kumite

Kumite is where 2 students spar or exchange techniques in a controlled environment guided by their Sensei. They have rules to obey, such as do not punch the face or kick the groin, do not use excessive force, and respect each other. Here is an example of Kumite training, keep in mind all practitioners are required to wear protection.