Karate has been portrayed as this exotic, obsessive craft in film, TV and online. At Mind Over Matter Karate, not only do we have our own unique way of doing things – but we uphold a realistic and authentic style of karate. Read on to see the myths and misconceptions that need to be cleared up.
Karate is all about breaking bricks and wooden planks
The classic karate movie scene involves a karate master cracking a brick with one hand while yelling emphatically. This isn’t the be all and end all of karate. Karate isn’t all about showing brute strength. We teach students how to break through self-limiting beliefs, how to expand their physical potential, and protect themselves against real situations! But we do get to break things sometimes!
You have to be strong and flexible to practise karate
Karate masters and senseis do not start off as karate masters and senseis. Everyone was a student once. Before Kung Fu Panda, films depicted anyone practising martial arts as athletic, lithe, and able to move weightlessly in the air. Truth is, karate is an accessible art – it’s for anyone and everyone, whatever level of athleticism. We encourage students to work with what they have, and to do their best. Everyone is different; everyone moves differently – and that’s the only requirement.
Karate is just kicking and punching
Martial arts films commonly feature a protagonist who is able to defeat their opponent with a quick series of fast-paced punches, whacks, and high kicks. Karate isn’t simply kicking and punching – it’s a full-body effort, including elbows, knees, grabs, throws, self-defense movements. Original forms of karate are multi-faceted and holistic. The most important distinction to make is that karate is not just physical, it teaches you self-control and mindfulness. The psychological side of karate is just as essential as the physical, especially at Mind Over Matter Karate.
Karate is theatrical. It’s like parkour!
Karate is not a way to get from building to building. It’s not about doing consecutive somersaults and then sticking the landing. Karate is an ancient art, where students seek perfection in their forms and mental will. They focus on this fine balance between the physical and psychological, not on leaping across alleyways. That said, if you can leap across hallways, we’ll consider that a cool bonus!
You have to start karate when you are young
You might be familiar with movies where the protagonist has practised karate his or her entire life. In reality, karate is for everyone. That means all genders, all ethnicities, all ages, and all levels of physical and mental capability. At Mind Over Matter, our students range from from young children to older adults, at all levels. It truly is never too late to start.
These are just five of the myths and misconceptions about karate and martial arts. Karate is more accessible, more realistic, and more versatile than the movies make it out to be. Try it for yourselves when classes start September 15th. The first class is free!
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