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CLUB CULTURE Dartmouth Karate Club


TOP FIVE FACTS: Number of students: 30, ranging from age 7 to 75 Price: £3 child, £4 adult - pay per session Meetings: Dartmouth Leisure Centre, Wednesdays 6.30-8pm, Sundays 10.30am-12 Logo: A silhouette of Dartmouth Castle with a red sun. Rules: Bow on entering, address all instructors as ‘Sensei” and when given a command the student must answer ‘Oss’.


K


arate originated in the Japaense Okinawan Islands around the 17th


century as a form of self-defence without weapons. Now clubs around the world


practice this art of un-armed combat to keep fit and stay in shape. Started in 1975 by Peter Atkins, the Dart- mouth Karate Club encourages young and old to come and learn the sport which ‘builds a healthier mind, spirit and attitude’. Instructor Kain Harper says there are so many benefits: “It’s about keeping yourself focussed and flexible - if you don’t leave sweating you aren’t doing it right! Karate is an ancient discipline so we have to treat it with respect, but we’re aware we have children as young as seven here (and want to encour- age more) so we also make it fun.” The club practices the traditional Shotokan style of karate - it’s not about aggressive fighting, but is a type of martial art designed to help students develop self-defence skills and build confidence. “We learn moves or exercises which are known as ‘katas’ and sparring tech- niques which you practice with a partner - these help with balance, stability and strengthen your legs.” Dartmouth is a member of the Karate Union of Great Britain -


the people who give out the famous coloured belts. The order is white, then orange, red, yellow, green, purple, purple with a single white stripe, brown, brown with a single white stripe, brown with a double white stripe, and finally the coveted black belt. Each grading is based on students showing they have mastered specific moves (the Katas) as well as punches, kicks and blocks. “We do enter some competitions, usually around the south west. I’m still aiming for a gold, I often come home with silver - always the bridesmaid, never the bride!” Kain says with a smile. “Many towns have a club so we have plenty around to engage with, and we’ll travel to places such as Ivybridge, Barnstaple and Cullompton. But you don’t have to compete, some people just come here to stay fit and healthy.” Kain, who


took up karate at the age of 12, says some people think it’s a male orientated sport but he believes that’s far from the truth. The club has a few female members and would welcome more. “We are also very family friendly. It’s great to see members bringing their children when they’re old enough. We welcome all shapes, sizes, abili- ties and ages - you never stop learning!” You don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to do karate,


but you’ll need to know some basic words, here’s a few to get your tongue around…


Dojo


Sensei Rei


Migi


Kamae-te Mawatte Gi


Kime


Training Hall Instructor Bow


Right


Move to ready position Turn


Karate suit Focus


Instructor Kain Harper


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