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Karate-do, the art of empty-hand was originally developed on the island of Okinawa from the 17th century and brought to Japan in the early 20th Century. Post World War II, karate spread rapidly to become a valued pursuit in most societies around the world today.
Kyokushin karate, pronounced “key-yoku/shin,” means "the ultimate truth," and is reputed throughout the martial arts world as “The Strongest Karate” for the reputation of its top fighters and their rigorous and thorough training methods. It was founded in 1953 by the late Grand Master Mas Oyama. After studying multiple martial arts for 2 decades, he created Kyokushin from what he believed to be the essential elements from each. He then combined his own practical training methods so the application of these ancient forms would suit 21st century practitioners.
This is the fundamental reason Kyokushin Karate differs from other forms. It remains very traditional in its teaching methods, protocols and beliefs, yet surpasses rigid guidelines to allow its practitioners to individually grow and progress.
To study Kyokushin Karate is much more than learning a series of punches, blocks and kicks that could ultimately serve to defend its student in a time of threat. To study Kyokushin Karate is to train ones body, mind and spirit to work as one efficient machine in a way never imagined.
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Power Karate of Manhattan Beach is the only full-time Kyokushin school in the Los Angeles area. Providing a 2,000 sq. ft training area, Power Karate is a traditional Japanese dojo and the training provided is authentic adhering to the strict guidelines directed by the International Karate Organization (IKO) followed all over the world by over 12 million practitioners. Every student who trains at Power Karate will learn the same techniques and follow the same traditions and protocols whether they’re four years old or forty.
Even more important, Power Karate is a family. A family of children and adults who come together to encourage each other, learn and grow to understand themselves a little better each time they train.
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If you’re thinking of enrolling a child in karate, you’ve no doubt heard or read many things about the potential benefits of continued karate training. Confidence, self-discipline, self control, focus, respect and inner strength are among the most common attributes associated with children (and adults) who have committed themselves to long-term karate training. Why does karate provide these benefits while another ‘sport’ might not?
Because karate is not a sport. Karate is a process that will ultimately train the body, but more importantly the mind and the spirit in a way that a traditional sport cannot. First and foremost, for a child, karate is fun. The dojo is a place where a child can learn, expend boundless energy and yell (called, “kiai”) with all their hearts. However, as they’re learning and moving, they’ll be directed and encouraged to focus and concentrate their energy into executing the techniques properly and at the appropriate times. They’ll be asked to challenge themselves to try their hardest and give more effort than they believe they can. Eventually, they’ll find that their efforts pay off, as they’re able to perfect their techniques and execute more difficult techniques, thus building their self-confidence. It’s visible on their faces as they leave the dojo after class – they feel happy and confident in their accomplishments and they’ve had fun. Because the practice of karate is ultimately a journey of self-discovery, it becomes more than just an hour of exercise. For many children, it becomes a part of their lives and a core strength that they are able to draw on in all aspects of their daily life – at home with their families, at school and with their friends.
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