Oct 10
22
Karate Hamilton – The Inside Scoop
Hello! Welcome to Karate Hamilton.
Yes, I realize that is a bizarre name for a website, but there is a reason for choosing this particular combination of words.
You see, as a parent living in Hamilton whose child wants to learn karate, one would believe finding a karate school would be simple, right? Guess again. Wrong.
But before I get in that, let me finish explaining why this website is named what it is. There is a pretty good chance that you logged onto your computer and typed in: Karate Hamilton or perhaps Hamilton Karate in order to locate a company to fit your desires.
And, I wanted you to find my website because unlike other sites that may show up; I do not own my own karate school or karate training company. Nor am I an instructor or an individual who sells karate uniforms or sparring and combat equipment.
I am actually an impartial consumer who was once in your shoes and had to experience looking for a company that teaches karate to discover there is Okinawan Kenpo karate (created by Yoshida Clan), Shotokan karate (created by Gichin Funakoshi) and Songahm Taekwondo (created by H.U. Lee). Ugh! Who even knew there were different types? So, anyway, it motivated me enough to create this site to help you find a reputable school.
First, please know that I am not going to influence your decision as to which is the better style out there, but I will make a solid recommendation of a very good karate school that is licensed, insured and that you can trust to teach and take care of your child. In addition to this, I want to educate you and give you enough knowledge to confidently make an informed decision on where to send your child.
Before I got started in this epic quest to find a qualified karate or mixed martial arts training school, I did not know the difference between Karate and Taekwondo…maybe you don’t either?
No worries! I will cover all of this at Karate Hamilton and more.
Most importantly, this site will help you locate a Hamilton karate school that is honest, professional and that your child will love.
The last thing you need is to place your child into a program that he or she will hate and fight to go to week after week. After all, as a parent our goal is to ensure our child loves what he or she is doing and has fun doing it. Or perhaps, you are searching to enroll yourself and I want to ensure you will enjoy it as well.
You may also find it important to know if your company of choice belongs to the World Karate Federation, International Shotokan Karate Federation or the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Or are the instructors certified and how does one become certified? After all, if you are going to be spending money, you want to ensure that not some Jack-of-all-trades is teaching your child. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Hopefully after spending a few minutes at my site, Karate Hamilton, you will be more educated and be able to make an informed decision on where to send your child.
Posted in Karate Hamilton by .
Nov 10
9
Protected: Recommended Company
Well, this was a tough area for the Karate Hamilton staff to research. But let me share with you what we did find out.
First, New Jersey occupations and business activities often require some form of registration, license or certification by the state. As it relates to karate, martial arts or kick boxing, a license is required.
As of 2010, the martial arts industry is not closely regulated. There are no governmental, centralized or industry wide standards of certification. It appears that the specific martial arts organizations set their own teaching qualifications.
In the United States, many of the larger organizations, which usually produce a higher quality instructor, require a minimum belt rank or a specific amount of time training as well as completion of instructor training courses and a number of supervised teaching hours by a senior instructor.
Other organizations had a business model which pushes students to become instructors so then can generate income for them by charging franchise fees, licensing fees and a percentage of the school’s profit. Some provide black belt rank and instructor certification with no training for a large chuck of money. It is apparent this would provide a quality trainer.
All in all, most organizations require a black belt rank to teach unsupervised. It is not uncommon that to become a black belt, the individual would have endured three to five years of training. Others may require second degree or third degree black belt rankings resulting in one to five additional years of rigorous training.
The best way for you to validate the instructor’s credentials is to ask the individual about the person who trained them. Many of them maintain a relationship with their trainer and would not object to let you speak directly with them. You can also do a search online to see if you can find any negative reviews within karate forums or perhaps at the better business bureau. In short, if you are concerned, don’t hesitate to get more information.
In the end, Karate Hamilton has determined that as of 2010, there is no state regulation of martial arts schools. However, the NJ State Board of Athletics does documented the Martial Arts Competition Rules.
Posted in How To Become A Certified Karate Instructor? by .
In this section of the Karate Hamilton website we will do our best to explain the difference between karate and taekwondo. While there are many different styles of each technique, we will keep it simple.
As you begin your quest to find a martial arts studio, you will notice that Karate and Taekwondo (or Tae Kwon Do) are the most common martial arts practiced in North America.
The main difference is the country of origin. Karate was originated in Okinawa (hence, Okinawan karate) and Japan, while Taekwondo originated in Korea.
Both martial arts techniques train to strike with every part of the body. They both include kicking, punching, locks, grappling and throws. However, some believe that taekwondo uses more foot techniques and that karate uses more hand techniques. With that say, some schools may teach more kicking while others will teach more hand techniques.
While both methods originated as a form of self defense and both environments are disciplined and orderly, it appears that they have evolved differently.
Karate classrooms are more regimented and uniform, while taekwondo allows for more self expression, where students are taught to find their yell, their voice, within established guidelines. Thanks to the Olympic competition, the later of these is a full contact, full speed combat sport similar to that of boxing.
So What is the Better Choice, Karate or Taekwondo?
It doesn’t matter. Here at Karate Hamilton, we believe what matters is finding the right teacher and you will have a gratifying experience in which ever one you choose.
Posted in The Difference Between Karate and Taekwondo by .