A New Club and New Beginnings

Kingswinford Tigers Karate Club

            

Karate first started in India or China, depending on which account of history you believe, and travelled to Japan via Okinawa. Here it flourished, especially with underclass on the island of Okinawa. It was forbidden to carry arms, so many resorted to karate as a means of unarmed defence.

The two Japanese characters that make up the word karate mean 'empty' (or Chinese) and 'hand'. Originally the art was taught by masters in secret, very often at night and in the privacy of their own gardens. Masters would only teach those that they thought worthy.

Things started to change around the late 1800's and in 1902 Karate was accepted to be taught in the schools of Okinawa. Here it attracted the attention of the main land Japanese and in 1921, the crown prince of Japan, on visiting Okinawa, was treated to a demonstration of the art. This allowed Ginchin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, to demonstrate on the main land and, so began, the teaching in all schools in Japan.

So how did the art come to the West? Visiting GI's during the 2nd World War heard about, and saw the incredible speed and power of some of great masters and wanted to learn. They returned to the USA and so began the exporting of the best known martial art.

I, personally, started to learn in the '80s and although I have studied other styles, my preference is for Shotokan. The style was founded by Ginchin Funakoshi and comprises of three basic areas: kihon (basic moves), kata (preset forms) and kumite (free sparring).

Much of the style remains unchanged and the founder would recognise most of what we do. It is a great aid to fitness but also teaches discipline, gives confidence and ensures fortitude. I graded to Black belt in February 2005 and gained my instructors qualifications last year.

I started the Kingswinford Tigers (the above club) in December of 2007 With the aim of promoting health and fitness through the art. We are growing in numbers, and welcome new members of all ages. We meet at St Mary's, in the church hall, twice a week: Wednesday and Saturday.

Do you want to know more?
Then please email me on kingswinford.tigers@blueyonder.co.uk

Geoff Beswick, Club Chairman and Club Instructor.