1) Is Karate mainly defence?
This is a question we often hear, Karate concentrates primarily on Self-defence because it assumes the person learning has positive morals and values, if you are kind and giving you would never strike another person, unless it was a last resort. For this reason, the first thing you need to learn is defence! But make no mistake once mastered every block is an attack in disguise, no movement is wasted! and we always train with a counterattack.
2) Can Karate really help me to defend myself?
Yes and no. After three months of training the chances are that you will not be able to defend yourself unless you are taking a specific and intensive self-defence course that is solely focused on street survival. Karate focuses largely on self-development; it teaches you to step back and look at yourself from a higher level! This helps you become who you choose to be, not who you have to be! Remember Life Should Happen For You, Not Too You! This process will not come overnight, Karate students with Black belts have managed to commit and dedicate their life to training, they have shown values that are hard to attain. Once you have learnt to control your mind and body resulting in self-confidence, you will be able to defend yourself and others when required.
3) Do I have the potential to become a black belt?
Yes! Everybody has the potential to do anything they want. The question you should ask yourself is, will I allow myself to reach my potential of becoming a black belt?
4) Is all this talk about spiritual values, ethics and discipline really true?
At first it seems as if punching and kicking don’t really match the values of discipline and respect and I can’t blame you for thinking that especially after picking up your daily newspaper and reading about the latest mugging, rape or local school violence. However, the fact of the matter is that self-awareness leads to a greater appreciation of truth in your life and what it means to you specifically. By practicing martial arts, you learn about your own strengths and weaknesses and through hard physical training you learn how to break through previous limitations and take yourself to the next level in your growth and self-discovery.
5) Is this really for me?
Asking this question is not a bad thing, but the way you answer could be! Life will present you with unlimited opportunities, like learning Karate. Firstly, you need to Give Opportunities a Chance, have a “don’t knock it till you try it” approach When it comes to Karate. I recommend that you focus on three things while you are training.
1) Why did you decide to learn Karate? 2) What has karate done for you so far? 3) What do you still hope to get out of your karate practice? Remember every skill worth having does not come easy.
6) Will I ever get these techniques and drills right?
The more you practice, the more likely you are to get the techniques and drills right. Your ultimate success in karate is in direct proportion to your effort, focus and persistence. The more that you focus on the fact that you are not getting the drills right, the more you will become frustrated. Change your focus, keep it positive, and suddenly you will get the techniques right.