Traditional Martial Arts Tuition in Cornwall

Join Sandokai karate, a local Mixed Martial Arts club in Helston, for traditional martial arts tuition in Cornwall, UK. Their focus is on Kumite, which is a catch-all expression roughly translated as “fighting”. While many people see Kumite as the be all and end all of Karate, it is just one facet and arguably the least important one. Ninety-nine percent of people take up martial arts for self-defence, but they soon learn that there are many other benefits to be gained. Sandokai karate offers different forms of Kumite for interested players.

One of these forms is Ippon Kumite, a very formalised type of fighting that consists of predetermined attacks, blocks, and counterstrikes. As students progress through the grades, the number, and complexity of Ippon Kumite increase. For example, a beginner would be asked to execute three "ippons”, while a black belt would perform twelve. All students, from beginners to senior grades, will perform Ippon Kumite as part of their grading requirements. The heart of Ippon Kumite is that the attacks are performed full-force and in range, and the counter should be controlled but capable of disabling the opponent with a single blow.

Sandokai karate also teaches Jiyu Ippon Kumite, which is similar to Ippon Kumite but allows more freedom. In Jiyu Ippon Kumite, the defender has a free choice of block and counter, either by reacting to a set attack or by following specific target areas determined by the grading examiner. Jiyu Ippon Kumite is a requirement for higher grades and helps students develop their range of techniques.

In addition to these formalised types of fighting, Sandokai karate offers Jiyu Kumite, which is free-form fighting or sparring. Students are encouraged to spar only when they are capable of defending themselves adequately and have passed the first grading examination. Jiyu Kumite provides a learning experience, a chance to try out new techniques in relative safety, and a way to develop and maintain specific reactions or dominant responses. It is also a lot of fun!

For players interested in competition, Sandokai karate also offers Shobu Competition Karate. Sport karate follows very precise rules, and it will be an Olympic Sport in 2020. Competitors wear either Ao (blue belt) or Aka (red belt), and a referee starts and stops the bout and awards points for well-executed techniques. It is a technical form of fighting that involves tactics and skill. The fighter with the most points at the end of the three minutes wins.

Join Sandokai karate for traditional martial arts tuition and experience the many benefits it offers. Fun, discipline, self-defence, and personal growth await interested players in Cornwall, UK.