My last Sensei, Michael Clarke of the Shinseidokan Dojo, once said to me that, the real benefit of Karate training was for our health.
Of course, like many things Clarke Sensei talked about, he is right.
When I was asked the other day, why do you train in Karate, my response was the same as it has always been since training in authentic Karate...
"I train for the fight I hope I never have to have".
This statement runs deeper than the superficial street fight that many would automatically think of. I am of course, talking of illness. Authentic karate also breeds a tolerance to pain, which is why you don't see many of the Kigu (tools) of this type of Karate in the all to familiar family setting of a club. Some of the tools are positively brutal when engaged with on a higher level.
It's not for everyone, which is why less people practise/train in this way.
You can pretty much say that it harms the body and is thus is bad for your health, and this to an extent is true, but, and here's the kicker, once repaired the body and the mind are stronger. A transformation is taking place where by a higher resistance to, and a higher tolerance of pain has begun.
As I said the training isn't for everyone.
Progress is slow, which is another good reason the type of training isn't popular in our 'need it now society.
Being able to work the three areas of the forearm (inside, outside and back) and back and side of the hands for hundreds of strikes cannot be had straight away....it takes time, a lot of endorphin release through continual practise and a desire to improve.
For example, at strike/block number 45, your brain goes on the defensive to stop the exercise. It's easy to listen and go along with the notion that stopping is the best option, but so much more can be gained by carrying on. A true glimpse of yourself might even be had at this point.
Karate (or substitute any martial art here) for health is a great idea. And when you've been training for a couple of decades you have to ask yourself 'do I need a Sensei' ?... the answer will only probably be yes if you are one of those who are focussed on grades, belts and titles; but really, do they matter....? Not where your health is concerned.
If your paying out a couple of hundred dollars a year in fees, and not getting the person you're paying for then there's not much point.
So striking and hitting stuff can be done by anyone, and you don't need a Sensei, club or organization to do it, and contrary to some that you will hear critique it, it's not unhealthy training.
