This three-part article series provides the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Japanese martial art form of karate,

meaning, “Open hand”. Welcome to the final installment of this three-part article series, which provides the answers to some of the frequently asked questions of residents looking for karate classes in Houston. Learning martial arts offers students a plethora of physical, mental and spiritual benefits. It’s the ultimate course in fitness and self-defense, and it also develops more esoteric values, such as inner peace, harmony, respect and self-control. Let’s take a look at some final FAQs about karate in Houston, so that you can be informed when you get on the phone and sign up at your local dojo! FAQ: At what age can my child begin karate classes? Martial arts instructors in Houston answer: “The optimal age for a child to begin karate is 10, when they have the necessary co-ordination and sense of responsibility for their actions. It does, however, depend on your child’s level of maturity and ability to pay attention. Meditation, relaxation and learning the correct breathing techniques are also important in karate class and if your child can’t settle down and pay attention for these, he or she is simply going to become a distraction for the rest of the class.” FAQ: What about karate for older adults? Martial arts instructors in Houston answer: “You can become a student of karate at any age; whether you’re 10, 40, 60 or even 80. As long as you’re fit and in good enough health to train actively, we welcome students of all ages. This kind of martial arts training can be highly beneficial to your health and can help you to maintain a much better standard of whole body fitness and flexibility,” say karate instructors in Houston.

Karate in Houston Your FAQs Answered, PART 3

“If you are over 50 years old, we do recommend that you undergo a physical exam by your doctor first, because the exercises taught in karate can be quite strenuous and no one, least of all you, wants an undiagnosed heart problem to reveal itself on the dojo floor!” FAQ: How fit do I need to be to start karate? Martial arts instructors in Houston answer: “Most people start karate classes so that they can become fitter and more coordinated, so you don’t need to look like Bruce Lee under your shirt to become good at karate. Those who do take karate to professional heights and who do compete in international championships were, in addition to training exceptionally hard, probably born with excellent co-ordination and physical ability: as is the case with most natural athletes.” “In short, you don’t need to be fit at all to start karate and once you have begun classes, you will find yourself becoming stronger, faster, more dexterous and more coordinated, especially if you practice at home regularly,” say karate instructors in Houston. FAQ: What is the risk of injury during karate classes? Karate instructors in Houston answer: “Make no mistake: karate is an intense and full combat martial art and your body will be pushed hard by your instructors, so you may wake up the following morning with aching muscles. With time, however, your muscles will grow accustomed to being stretched, pulled and tensed and they will grow bigger, stronger and more flexible in response.” “In terms of sustaining injuries during practice: the occasional bruise is to be expected, but serious injury – especially if you are in good overall health – is very uncommon,” say martial arts instructors in Houston. “We do not allow students to unleash their full strength on each other when sparring. We teach you to use physical and mental restraint when going up against a partner – even in tournaments - so that both of you leave the mat unharmed. In fact, karate is considered safer than most other competitive sports, such as football.”

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What exactly is Karate?