Out of the many styles of martial arts a common question is always asked; is karate good for self defense? The reason for this popular question is because people see karate practitioners doing Kata and think that’s what karate is all about.
In thinking so, they disregard karate as a true martial arts than can help them defend themselves in a real life situation.
Many karate movies promote a philosophy of love, peace, tranquility, respect and honor – and although many martial arts practice the same principles, karate was the first to receive the bad stigma of being too soft.
In this article I will dispel the stereotypes that people have of karate and answer the golden question – is karate good for self defense?
Is Karate Good For Self Defense?
Now we address the million dollar question, is karate goo for self defense? The answer is a resounding yes!
The word karate means “empty hands” and it was created in the Okinawan Islands as a form of self-defense, at a time when weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces.
So as you can see karate was created out of necessity for the Okinawan people to defend themselves! Just like then it is used today as a martial arts with a heavy focus on self defense.
Is Karate Good For Street Fighting?
Karate is good for street fighting because it can be used to defend against your assailants attack, and execute strikes of your own.
In a street fight you need to remain calm, not over think your attack and defense, and also rely on your skills in order to win.
Karate teaches you all aspects of the aforementioned. In karate training you will not only learn how to develop your skills in martial arts, but learn how to control you mind and temper.
These are a big factor in winning a fight. A person who is angry and lack temperament and emotional stability will always lose a fight.
Also Read:
Can A Boxer Beat An MMA Fighter?
Earning A Black Belt In Taekwondo
Steps To Becoming A UFC Fighter
What Are the Different Styles of Karate?
There are 4 main styles of karate Goju-ryu, Shotokan-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Shito-ryu. Today many styles have expanded and built on top of these main styles. Below is a break down of each style.
Goju-ryu
Chojun Miyagi, a pupil of Kanryo Higaonna, founded the karate form known as Goju-ryu in 1930. This form consists of powerful counter-strikes in the offensive positions and jujitsu-like soft and circular blocks in the defense positions.
Additionally, it makes use of breathing methods and a range of postures that provide gentle and hard techniques capable of demonstrating the variations in karate styles.
Tricks To Escape The Triangle Choke
Shotokan-ryu
Shotokan-ryu is a style of martial arts developed by Gichin Funakoshi and called after the pseudonym under which he published his poetry.
He developed this style of martial arts in 1938 after moving to Tokyo, Japan following his studies in Okinawa.
This form teaches pupils to deliver powerful blows quickly and effectively with their hands, elbows, knees, and feet by employing broad stances and linear techniques. This is by far the most well-known style and is known all throughout the world.
How To Master Muay Thai Clinch Takedowns
Wado-ryu
The Shotokan-ryu-derived form of karate, which is somewhat akin to the combat sport jujitsu, is primarily about the harmony of movements.
This spiritual form of karate was developed in 1939 by Hienori Otsuka. Instead of emphasizing contact sparring, it instructs pupils on how to maneuver their bodies to fend off attacks.
This flowing type of karate takes shorter stances than other ones to set itself apart from other karate styles.
Shito-ryu
The emphasis on this fourth form, known as Shito-ryu, focuses on delivering precise – strong blows.
This style of karate was developed in 1928 by Kenwa Mabuni. The fifty katas that students learn, which are predefined motions for attacks and defence that students must master, serve as proof that this style places a great priority on technique.
These katas are frequently exhibited at competitions, and students can take tests on them. To execute the movements in this specific style, one must be physically fit and have solid stances.
Executing The Standing Guillotine
Is Karate Good For Kids?
Karate is good for kids because of it’s many benefits. Kids enjoy practicing the art form and always have fun learning. Below are the many benefits of kids taking karate.
- Keeps kids active
- Good form of exercise
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Gain agility, balance, and flexibility
- Stress relief
- Boosts self confidence and self-esteem
- Improves focus, memory, and peace of mind
- Teaches you about life
- Build charter and social skills
- Teaches you to work together
- Great for self defense
Is Karate Good For Weight Loss?
Karate is good for weight loss because it promotes activity and movement. When you are in karate class the instructor usually asks for you to warm up by doing stretches and cardio.
Throughout the lesson you are always moving and movement is a major key to losing weight. Always remember that movement alone is not going to help you lose the weight entirely. you have to eat well.
Nutrition plays a vital role in weight loss because eating healthy not only allows your body to function better, but eating healthy promotes less calorie intake which will contribute to you losing weight.
Sculpt Your Body Like An MMA Fighter
Is Karate Effective In MMA?
Yes, karate is extremely effective in MMA. In fact there are many MMA fighters that use karate and have won championship belts and trophies.
Karate is effective in MMA because of the stance and movements you can use. It allows you to move in and out quickly when throwing a strike.
Also Read:
MMA Fighters Strength Training Routine
The Legend Of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do
Von Flu Choke: Deadly Jiu-Jitsu Submission
Which MMA Fighters Use Karate?
- Connor McGregor
- Lyoto Machida
- Stephen Thompson
- Georges St-Pierre
- Michael Page
- Michelle Waterson
- Rose Namajunas
- Chuck Liddell
- Michel Pereira
- Sage Northcutt
- Gunnar Nelson
- Bas Rutten
Is Karate Better Than Taekwondo For Self Defense?
There is no martial arts better than the other. One successfully defends themself based on their skills not what type of martial arts they use.
A person can use boxing, karate, or muay thai in a fight, but if he does not execute the moves properly, stays calm, and use his intellect when fighting, he will lose to someone who does.
Winning a fight is all about skills and not the type of self defense you use. So the two people who are fighting and one uses karate and the other Taekwondo, need to know that either one can win based on skill emotional stability, and intellect.
Sponsor: Karate Combat