Getting into Karate Shape

[XPoint0]

Is Karate a sport you can use to get into shape, or do you need to be in shape to be in karate? Here's why I ask.

I used to be in Kenpo from 1999-2001. For two years, I was in a Kenpo school where I eventually got my brown belt. But then for financial reasons, I went to a new Kenpo school. This one did a lot more running and cardio, and holy crap I had trouble keeping up. Because of this and because my skills was rusty, the sensei was thinking I should have started off as an orange belt in his school.

[mal103]

Karate is not a sport - although it has a sporting aspect. If it's practiced properly then yes it will be very good for cardio and strength.

You don't have to be fit to start as you would normally start out with just basics and build up, a good instructor will gently push you as your fitness improves, or push you more if you are already fit.

I've visited other Dojo's -in one I did not brake into a sweat - in another I was exhausted! Everyone who visits us to train normally goes away with a wet Gi and a smile.

[andym]

As with your Kenpo experience, it differs from Dojo to Dojo, never mind style to style. So one teacher may teach the same style, but with a focus on fitness and conditioning. Another may focus on skill and technical matters.

[Canadian77]

My sensei has said that people have told him they need to get into shape before they try karate, and he says that is the wrong perspective - he says start karate and they will get the person whipped into shape. In my experience it's best to just start karate and physical fitness will follow pretty quickly. - - I agree completely with my sensei on this one. It's already made a very noticeable difference to me, and it's only been four months!

[Safroot]

My sensei has said that people have told him they need to get into shape before they try karate, and he says that is the wrong perspective - he says start karate and they will get the person whipped into shape. In my experience it's best to just start karate and physical fitness will follow pretty quickly. - - I agree completely with my sensei on this one. It's already made a very noticeable difference to me, and it's only been four months!

I totally agree with you and same here, I have started with less than ZERO level of fitness and overweight but now after only 2 months of training my fitness is heeps better and I have lost about 4kg.

[sensei8]

Karate is not a sport - although it has a sporting aspect. If it's practiced properly then yes it will be very good for cardio and strength.

You don't have to be fit to start as you would normally start out with just basics and build up, a good instructor will gently push you as your fitness improves, or push you more if you are already fit.

I've visited other Dojo's -in one I did not brake into a sweat - in another I was exhausted! Everyone who visits us to train normally goes away with a wet Gi and a smile.

Solid post!!

[Zaine]

Karate is not a sport - although it has a sporting aspect. If it's practiced properly then yes it will be very good for cardio and strength.

You don't have to be fit to start as you would normally start out with just basics and build up, a good instructor will gently push you as your fitness improves, or push you more if you are already fit.

I've visited other Dojo's -in one I did not brake into a sweat - in another I was exhausted! Everyone who visits us to train normally goes away with a wet Gi and a smile.

This is great advice!

mal103 is absolutely right, every dojo is different. One might not do any cardio or strength aside from the actual practice itself at all! Some might require a mile run before every class! A lot of us here supplement our training with cardio and strength training outside the class room. Do you have to be in shape? Not necessarily. However, as you progress, you will start to be more fit and you may have the desire to supplement to help your progression.

[sensei8]

Martial artists, imho, don't have to fit into any typical stereotype at all. There was a time when women wanted to have that "Barbie" shape, and if they didn't, then they felt overweight/ugly/etc; peer pressure will doom one if one allows it to.

Be challenged! Don't try to look like the status quo as a MAist, it's not necessary to be what others want one to be; it's an individuals choice.

Imho!!

[Wastelander]

You don't need to be in shape to start training in karate--it will get you into shape if it is trained with intensity and focus. When I started training in karate, I lost nearly 30lbs in a year. That said, you can certainly improve your karate by getting into even better shape than karate alone can get you.

[hammer]

Personally I find that doing cardio (running) outside the dojo gives me some additional stamina that helps me to do karate workouts more intensely. I'm more of the opinion, nevertheless, that the best way to get in shape for a karate workout is to do a karate workout.