What is Karate

What is Karate?

Karate, like other martial arts, is the study of self-defense. There are literally dozens of styles of martial arts, each having a different cultural influence from it's country of origin. Some examples are Tae Kwon Do from Korea and Kung-fu from China.

What style is taught at Harford Health & Fitness Club?

The predominant style that Master Charlie teaches is called Yin-Chuan. It is composed of Kenpo, Judo, Jujitsu, Mu Du Kwon, Chin Na and grappling.

What are the Ranks?

There are two rank structures, one for child and one for the adults. The adult ranking is: White, Advanced White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown and Black. The children's ranking is White, Advanced White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Red, Green, Brown and Black. There are age requirements for the children's ranks.

How long does it take?

The study of karate is self-paced, and moving through the ranks depends on individual effort. The average time to make the Black Belt ranking is about five years, while attending at least two classes a week.

What are the benefits?

The health benefits from the study of karate are obvious, as in any physical training program. Karate can enhance one's confidence to handle stressful situations. In children, most parents notice a change in self-discipline and respect towards themselves and others.

What about competition?

The Maryland Professional Karate Association (MPKA), with which our program is associated, holds three local tournaments a year. These tournaments are invitational, and are open only to schools that are known to the MPKA. This gives competitors a chance to compete on a much smaller, personal scale than some of the bigger nationally rated tournaments. MPKA believes that this helps to build confidence in one's self while building public performance experience.

Need additional information?

Check out the MPKA web site.
www.mpka.net