Karate is a branch of Martial Art. It is a weaponless means of self-defense which comprises a series of combinations of kicks, strikes and throws. Every part of the body is fully engaged to its maximum potential or advantage. In karate, the aim is to develop the individual in two dimensions:

1. Character Building
2. Skill Development
   In Character building, the potential champion is taught the rudiments of character, discipline and routine.
   In Skill development, he is taught the applicability of flexibility, speed, control and power (both physical and mental).
   Development of techniques and abilities are also integral aspects of karate, so you don’t have to be big, strong and muscular to protect yourself, family, friends or those put under your care.

Karate training routine when designed by a suitably qualified and competent “Sensei” is designed to suit everyone who has any modicum of interest in the “way of life”. Karate covers a broad spectrum of self-defence and other interdisciplinary activities; it is also universal and all embracing, it is for men, women and children of all ages and sizes.

Most people take up Karate classes for self-defence purposes only, which though not bad, is grossly inadequate as that greatly diminishes the significance of the practice of karate; since it actually has more to offer to the practitioners. Karate can be practiced as a sport, hobby and a way of life. Karate has endless potential and offers numerous benefits to the practitioner. Some of the boons that can be derived from the regular practice of Karate, by people of all ages regardless of sex include:

• Healthy lifestyle, 
• Mental awareness, and self-control. 
• Improve academic performance and develop retentive memory, 
• Ability to learn to set and achieve goals. 
• Develop composure and improves coordination 
• Mental power development
• Beauty in character, honesty, loyalty and trusty 
• Promotion of physical fitness and wellness

Aside from being a practical method of self-defence, self-confidence and a developer of higher levels of self-esteem, respect and understanding of yourself and others, karate gives retentive memory and also expands the capacity of the brain. (Ashleigh Johnstone Ph.D Researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience Bangor University, 2018.) It makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury and also helps in controlling and correcting sleeping disorders. 

Karate has strong internal benefits as well. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. A courteous person will find it easy to make friends and difficult to make enemies. It helps instill virtues like patience, perseverance, understanding, open mindedness, increased calmness and peace, all of which will aid everyone in every endeavor they undertake in life.

YES! Karate is one of the best recreational activities for children. With the high level of concentration, listening skill and the degree of discipline taught in the karate class, the children will develop more positive qualities. In Karate, Children learn to accept responsibilities. They are expected to check themselves into the school, take care of their equipment and in some cases even turn in an assignment. They are also taught to be responsible for their actions, blaming others for a mistake is not tolerated at all in Karate classes. Horse play is not tolerated when the instructor is giving instructions so they learn how to stand or sit still and listen. These skills help them in school because they begin to understand that they are responsible for completing their school assignments and they have sufficient self discipline not to fidget or play when their teacher at school is talking to them. With this, the concentration level will increase and a better chance to retain information has been created. Add this to the fitness, coordination, alertness and self-defence benefits; and you will see why so many parents enroll their children into Karate classes. Karate is profoundly helpful to young people in dealing with the many challenges facing them in today’s society.

We usually accept children from age three into the academy. Our instructors are certified, experienced and equipped with the right information in dealing with children. Our teaching strategies are carved to deal with children of different genders, upbringing, culture, education etc, they are also tailored to meet their individual learning processes and general development.

“If you succeed in teaching a child discipline you have successfully given the child the key to unlock the door of success to the highest degree.”

YES! Karate is universal. Everyone needs Karate most especially women. Karate self-defence is indispensable and it is essential for everyone to practice! In most cases, women are the victims of statuary rape, molestation, hoodlums attack, bully, violence and many more domestic and societal aggressions, therefore, every woman should learn to claim her power to protect herself especially in the face of looming dangers. We encourage every woman to at least have a basic knowledge of self-defence for personal and environmental security. Most parents have the wrong notion that Karate will make the girl child look masculine and muscular, not true! The reverse is the case. Karate is high on aerobic fitness so you can achieve good body tone as well as learn to defend yourself. It is unnecessary to be muscular in Karate because it is not the power on the outside or scary appearance that makes good karate, it is the power on the inside and ability to coordinate mind and body perfectly. There is never a point that femininity is forced to diminish because you practice Karate. Karate is excellent for women!

“You can be posh and be tough. You need more than makeup kits to be a beautiful lady. It is a risk to walk around without a sense of self-defence.”

Don’t be a victim! Be safe, be Prepared.

Karate like fitness, is a life time study and an endless journey. It is difficult to put a time frame on how long it takes to become good at Karate, as everyone has a different potential and capacity to learn. The four major keys in learning Karate and getting the desired result are passion, concentration, visualization and repetition. For fast growth, you should memorize everything you see being done in the class and do a play back and practice session at home for proper understanding and perfection. A very apt and popular maxim is “Repetition brings perfection “! We have found from past experience that within six or about six months of training, most students are well on the way to achieving a good and sound knowledge of Karate, it will take about five years to attain a Black Belt (the karate equivalent of a degree in education). To progress at a reasonable rate, a ‘kohai’ – beginner in karate, would require three lessons a week spanning a period of between 60 minutes and 120 minutes depending on the intensity level of the activity. Though it is possible to train almost daily, it is not recommended. Three sessions a week is more than enough for even the most fanatical Karate kohai. Twice a week is not bad for beginners though, the more you train the faster you will progress. Some of the karate techniques at first seem quite complicated, but with diligent practice, they become much easier. As a student becomes fitter and stronger, concentration levels will improve, which has added advantages in school for children, or in the workplace for an adult. It is not unknown for successful karate student to be successful in their work.

“If you are well informed you are well equipped for greatness. Greatness awaits anyone who puts in effort.”

Karate is a physical contact sport, and you have to be extremely good and careful by adhering to instruction and rules of Karate to avoid the occasional bruises during training. We are very much aware of chances of injury and constantly strive to promote technical excellence and self control to reduce the risks; because of this, Karate has one of the lowest injury rates despite being a combat sport, much less than rugby and football (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare AIHW, 2014.) It is the policy of Samchi Karate Academy that every instructor that has attained the level of Black or Brown Belt hold current and valid first aid certificates, regardless of this, during every training session, our certified medical team is always on standby, however, we have not experienced any casualty since the beginning of our Academy and it is a record we are determined to keep intact.

Majority of new students of all ages and both genders come in unfit, we understand and it is our job to ease you into the training, slow and steady. It is better to start in a weak form and grow than to do one class and run off. Every new student is given an individualized and specific program, until such time that he is fit enough to blend into a general work program, we are averse to doing things in a hurry here.
If you have any doubts about your health condition, please ask your Doctor to give you an opinion as to whether you are capable of undertaking Karate training or not. If you suffer any medical condition or you have done surgery in the past, it is important to ensure that your instructor is aware and also fill it in your registration form as space has been created for that purpose in the form. It is also advisable that all applicants (especially over the age of 40) should have a medical examination before commencing any physical activity related to martial arts.

NO! All Karate kata (prearranged form of karate) begins with a defensive movement, this shows that Karate is not a violent art because there is no first attack in Karate. The peace of the society is paramount to all genuine Karatekas. We do not use the body we train at great pain for personal worthless fighting. The Dojo code says ”I shall refrain from violent behavior” following the etiquette and philosophy of Karate. The basics of kata (prearranged form) lies in the concept ”Karate ni Sente Nashi” which is translated as ”There is no first attack in Karate” The kata teaches that the true Karateka never strikes first and never strikes in anger.

In Karate, there is a ranking system which lets people know where they stand. Karate operates through an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When students strive towards each new belt, they are learning valuable lessons about setting and attaining their goals. At each level, the student knows in advance what is expected of him to reach the next level. This system is very good for children because it helps them learn to make realistic goals.
Grading usually comes to access and promote the student to a new rank. The grading will give the student the opportunity to work and focus more on the subject of discipline and dedication in order to get promoted to the next rank and it will also give parents/guardians the opportunity to monitor and assess the child’s progress in the art.

“More effort brings accomplishment.”

Now! Take that step now and hurry up and enroll into our Academy – the home of the champions; and you will be glad you did. Contact us to find out our charges. Beginners are welcome at any time and also people with previous Martial Arts experience.

“Anything worth doing is worth starting Now.”

Anything free and comfortable (a track suit and a white T-shirt) is acceptable depending on when the beginner can get his correct karate suit (Gi). Please bear in mind that we train in bare feet. Please note that jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces etc.) are not allowed in the Dojo during training. When you are ready for a proper Karate suit (Gi) or our Academy crested track suit and T-shirt, visit our sports shop. If there is anything that you would like to know which is not covered in the sections above please contact us.