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Karate
"JKA Karate is not merely a sport; it's a martial art whose aim is the harmonising of mind and body for balance, strength, perseverance and patience for total confidence and self-mastery."
The Ray Stevens Fitness Club is proud to offer Karate classes under the leadership of the internationally renowned Sensei Ohta.
The classes are held at the Oberon Pavilion in Wimbledon, please see the class timetable for more details or contact Ray directly.
Background to Karate
KARATE is a martial art and system of self-defense that originated hundred of years ago in Okinawa, but was greatly influenced by an even older tradition from China. Literally "Karate-do" means "the way of the empty hand", referring to the fact that its practitioners use no weapons to attack and defend, but only the hands, feet and body. Karate is founded on a grand philosophical and spiritual tradition based on Bushido and Zen Buddhist principles.
Karate is not a game of points, weight classes or showy demonstrations. It is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.
Such an action requires strength, speed, focus, control.
In true karate, the body, mind and spirit—the whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite and kata we learn to control our movements. But more importantly, we learn to give up control too. We can perform the techniques without thinking about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.
The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind and body.
Sensei Y Ohta, 6th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta is a graduate of Takushoku University. He has attended the famous Japan Karate Association’s Instructors Classes. Between 1982 and 2003 he was the official assistant to Sensei K. Enoeda 9th Dan (deceased). During this time Sensei Ohta built up an international reputation as one of the most popular and technically skilled Shotokan Instructors.
Sensei Ohta is the Chairman and Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association England. He and the JKAE are dedicated to teaching authentic JKA Karate.