Karate making a comeback
2 Jul
As the new Jackie Chan/Jaden Smith version of “The Karate Kid” sweeps the world’s multiplexes, a new wave of karate kids is expected to sweep into studios and rec centers. At least that’s the prediction of Lou Illar, screenwriter and associate producer of “Sidekicks,” the classic ’90s martial arts movie.
“Karate is tailor-made for the movies. It’s exciting to watch, and involves personal and spiritual components that make great story-telling devices,” he explains. Illar, in pre-production for “Sidekicks II,” is witnessing firsthand the resurgence of martial arts from his Louisiana Dojo. “Plus, it doesn’t need to have winners and losers like Western sporting activities do; and the character building aspect for young people is key. At their heart, martial arts are about discipline and humility. The best part is that anyone can do it and excel. There’s a reason they’ve been around for centuries.”
As a holder of a black belt in karate, I can attest to the fact that it’s a very healthy sport. The combination of mind-body training, self-discipline, and aerobic exercise makes it an ideal choice for any fitness program.
The University of Houston’s campus karate club touts the physical benefits to students.
“The obvious benefit from learning karate is the improvement of physical health,” stated Krassimir Doynov, PhD. “The student learns to exercise regularly several times a week, which is one of the most useful lifetime habits. This results in balancing blood pressure and circulation, lowering the cholesterol level, and reducing the number of visits to the doctor and all medical expenses. Moreover the student gets flexible muscles and joints, which increases the chances for surviving car accidents with fewer injuries when compared to a person who does not train karate.”
The experts over at karate.com agree.
“Karate is a physical exercise that will improve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. By practicing karate regularly, you exercise your heart, muscles, and bones for a stronger body. Karate will help build muscle, stamina, and strength. Regular exercise has long-last positive effects on overall physical health… Karate is one of the best ways to promote overall health. By finding a strong balance from within, and using that in coordination with a stronger body, karate creates a healthier person. ”
It’s definitely something I can recommend to anybody looking for a more interesting and fulfilling way to exercise the mind and body. Sure beats doing pushups!
I agree. Few sports combine all the benefits you find in karate. The physical and mental conditioning are obvious, but the social aspects which develop respect for the group and respect for the teacher/leader are also invaluable. Thanks for the article.
It was upper cervical chiropractic AND karate which helped me return to full health after my 1997 head injury. My whole family became involved and we all benefit from all aspects of the sport. My daughter achieved State, Australian and International Championships and was selected in the Australian Karate team in 2006. I recommend it to anyone wanting to practice a sport which not only keeps you fit but teaches you humility, respect and perseverance.
It was upper cervical chiropractic AND karate which helped me return to full health after my 1997 head injury. My whole family became involved and we all benefit from all aspects of the sport. My daughter achieved State, Australian and International Championships and was selected in the Australian Karate team in 2006. I recommend it to anyone wanting to practice a sport which not only keeps you fit but teaches you humility, respect and perseverance.
While I totally agree with the sentiment, you do understand that the movie was about Kung-Fu right? This article would sound a lot more intelligent if karate was replaced with ‘martial arts.’
You are right Evan, you and I know that I but to the average American it is all the same. Thank you for the feedback There are many popular martial art systmes that call their style Karate but I would not. It always reminds of techniques in chiropractic.