Q&A for How to Teach Yourself the Basics of Karate

You can get stronger through exercise, weight training, eating a healthy diet filled with nutrients and by developing a workout aimed at strengthening particular parts of your body. There is a lot to this topic that a short answer can't fulfill, so for more help with this topic, see How to Get Strong .

It is best to learn martial arts from properly trained professionals and to have classmates with whom you can interact and learn proper defense (and where relevant offense) techniques, which is not possible by yourself. That said, some basic moves and beginner learning can be done by yourself in preparation for starting or practicing for a martial arts class. For more information, see How to Teach Yourself Martial Arts .

The answer depends on the type of martial arts and the rules of the school or dojo. It also depends on how ready the child is––for martial arts, a child should be able to follow rules, be well coordinated, have the ability to focus well and be willing to participate. Some schools will accept toddlers in special classes focused on easy moves and games, while other schools prefer children to be at least in primary/elementary school, while still attuning the classes to a child’s abilities. While it is a good idea to start a child young, gauge the suitability from the child’s own level of readiness and clearly expressed interest, and talk to the school or dojo you think might suit your child to find out what age they consider appropriate.

The "link" you may be looking for is that gymnastics is a great cross-training complement to karate, in that the gymnastics helps with building your strength, improving coordination, increasing agility and providing greater flexibility. Each of these outcomes can improve your karate performance and may be able to fill in gaps (especially with strength training) that the karate practice is not providing. Having enough time to do both is the real issue!

This depends on what you mean by "master," but assuming you wish to be "expert" at martial arts, factor in many years of learning, training and dedication to have a chance at reaching this stage. Most of all, devotion to your choice of martial arts matters, for if you intend to master it, it requires a lot of time, practice and a willingness to place it central to your life. It is not possible to give an exact amount of time; some people master martial arts within a few years of doing nothing else but martial arts, while others can take 10, 20 or more years of weekly dedication fitted in around the rest of their lives. Really, it’s up to you and your determination.

The first step is to decide which kind of martial arts interests you; do some reading on the different types to see which one appeals the most––differing philosophies and techniques appeal to different people. Then, ask to attend a lesson or two at a school or dojo teaching that type of martial arts; many offer 1 to 3 of the first lessons for free, to give you time to decide whether or not it’s for you. Then, if it’s possible to enroll in a beginner’s class, do that. Or, in some schools, the beginners are mixed in with more advanced practitioners who are expected to help you learn as part of their own martial arts development––don’t worry, the advanced classmates will help you to learn and will treat you with care, while respecting your beginner status. Finally, if it’s possible, practice at home what you’re learning in class, to continually improve.

You should do some warmups and stretches every day. Some people find that practicing Yoga also helps with flexibility.

Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, are good sources of protein, calories, and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are also full of nutrients and will help your mind and body function at its best. Meat can be good in moderation, but try to stick with lean meats like chicken breast, or fish. Karate is more about speed than strength, so really, the most important thing is to make sure your mind and body are both as sharp as possible by eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking good care of yourself, and of course, practicing.

No martial art is better than another. They all have their own styles and strengths. But the main difference between karate and kung fu is that karate uses linear motion (which is more effective in harming an opponent), whereas kung fu uses circular motion (more effective in blocking an opponent).

Lift your left knee and jump up off the right leg and kick with the right leg as your left leg comes down. (You can alternate legs.)

You could duck, obviously. Or you could reach out and grab whatever it is that is being thrust at you (arm, fist, leg, foot, etc.) and twist it the opposite direction. Say it is the right foot. Twist it to the left. That makes it more painful and is more likely to help you.

It depends how dedicated you are, but it usually takes around a few months to learn the basics and a lifetime to know everything and be fully competent at it.

You'd have to do leg-streching excercises and practice balancing yourself on one leg. As for a strong kick, it is recommended that you do Kiba Dachi, Shiko Dachi, and squat kickings. Doing these excercises will give you a stronger leg.

The only way to remember kata permanently is to practice every day. See the how the kata is done first maybe through a video or master. Practice step by step. Once you have mastered the kata, try to do it without seeing. Start with the first two moves, then first three, and so on. After you can do the kata without seeing, practice it every day, at least five times. This way you will never forget a kata.

It takes a lot of testing to go from one belt to the other. The process requires precision and excellent technique. From past experiences I would say no, but it depends from place to place on a person's skill level.

No. You can start as young as 3 and keep training as long as you like.

You should grab their arm and twist it. This will force them to let go and then you can do a straight kick to your opponent's face.

A "spin kick," or in karate "uramawashi geri," is a kick that involves: 1. look over your "kicking shoulder" and slowly lift your leg up, and 2. once the kick is up to your opponent's body, quickly pivot your foot and hips downward.

Just make sure you're consuming enough protein, via meat, beans, greek yogurt, tofu etc. and consume a lot of leafy greens and vegetables. Eat carbs before a heavy workout and protein after.

There is no easy way. There is the right way and the wrong way. Mastering any martial art requires time, patience and effort. A true martial artist knows that without discipline, you will never achieve true progress. Find a good teacher and ask him/her to train you. Give them your best effort.

In traditional karate, there is no such such thing as a "karate flip," but in other martial arts, such as Kung Fu, there is a variety of acrobatics, included flips. You should not try these on your own, but ask your instructor to teach and spot you on some flips.

Both are powerful. The answer depends on the specific type of kick or punch used.

Move out of the way. There's no point in trying to block it, you'll only get yourself hurt. If you offline your opponent, they will be in a rather vulnerable position, which allows you time to attack.

You can buy a white karate uniform online or get it tailor made. Most karate schools also supply their own uniforms. If you don't want to join a karate school, you can still ask the master or students about the shop or supplier from where they get their uniforms.

I would recommend a small, healthy snack before karate to give you energy and prevent hunger cramps. This could be something like a piece of fruit, some nuts, or a protein bar. I would then recommend eating a larger recovery meal once you've finished.

It is hard to learn two styles of martial arts at the same time, so stick to one or the other. If you're really not enjoying karate, switch to taekwondo. However, you do kick in karate, especially in sparring.

There is no easy way to answer this. Balance takes practice for everyone, but balance is affected by your body shape, natural skill, and other factors like your health. Keep practicing. You'll get better over time.

Yes. But most clubs accept anyone over 8.

If performed with full power, yes; however, it will take some practice.

Meditation does not depend on place. Let it be noisy. The most important is focus and concentration. Forget everything around you. Think that you are the only person in this world. Deep breathing can also help.