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 Karate Equipment

Article brought by Walt R. Eader

Side-info: The origins of the Chinese arts themselves are also shrouded in the mists of time. A widely accepted theory is that Bodhidharma, the founder of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism created what would later evolve into Shaolin kung-fu. The original exercises were used to strengthen his monks' bodies, minds, and spirits, to help them better fulfill their duties. This level of personal cultivation carried across to many Chinese martial arts. By way of transmission to other countries, this carried across to other martial arts, Karate-do being one of them.

We all need some sort of activity to keep us fit and healthy. Now, before you start whining and complaining about how much you despise fitness and physical activities, I want you to remember one thing. There is an abundance to choose from.

It's not just about the local gym or weight loss club. Take a gander at the plethora of sports and martial arts styles as well. Who knows; tomorrow you just may be ordering a basketball hoop or some karate equipment. I honestly believe that there's something out there for everyone.

Personally, I recommend a martial art. Not only do they offer physical fitness benefits, but they train you to be confident and how to defend yourself in a physical altercation. Back in high school I loved karate. If I wasn't going to karate class, I was training at home with some cool karate equipment.

Side-info: Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or “Chinese Hand”.

One specific tool that I used on a regular basis was called the Flexmaster. It was more or less a flexibility machine. You would sit in it and crank your legs apart in order to get a good stretch. I used to sit in that thing for 30 minutes at a time, slowly increasing my flexibility.

I have to say that it worked rather well. I finally got to where I could do the splits. This meant for range for my kicking techniques. Anything from perfect jump-side kicks, to leaping splits, to jump spinning hook kicks were possible.

That was probably my absolute favorite piece of karate equipment. I didn't want to be without it. Of course there is much more to pick and choose from now days. If you check out martialartsmart.com online or maybe centurymartialarts, you will encounter oodles of karate equipment to suit virtually any practitioner.

Side-info: As karate-ka, we are not normally taught how to be the aggressor. Most forms of practice, with the possible exception of sparring and some katas, begin with a block or counter to an attack. Even katas that begin with a strike are in response to an attack. This means we spend only a fraction of our time training how to successfully initiate contact. This may appear to be an omission in karate training, but I suspect it has evolved for a reason.

Anyone who is crazy about karate or martial arts in general, should take full advantage of contemporary kung fu, grappling, and karate equipment. Get that training partner that never leaves your home. I purchased a wooden dummy five years back and still train on it regularly.

It makes things so much easier if you don't always have to rely on the karate equipment at your dojo or kwoon.

So enjoy all that technology has to offer and don't forget to keep on kicking.

Quote: "The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." - Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate. 

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