Martial Arts & Self-Defense Blog
Welcome to Sandoval Freestyle Karate’s Blog, where you can find information on martial arts and self-defense. Plus we regularly publish information about events, such as Karate Camp and Phoenix karate tournaments. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us!
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4 Main Styles of Karate Practiced in Japan
Karate is a martial arts form dating back several hundred years to Okinawa, a main trading island in Japan’s chain of Ryuku Islands. The word “karate” is actually a term in Japanese – “kara” (empty) “te” (hand), meaning to fight hand-to-hand without weapons. Today, four main styles of karate exist in Japan – Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Shotokan. Wado-ryu was created by Hienori Otsuka is 1939 and is influenced by Gichin Funakoshi jujitsu and karate techniques. The term “wado-ryo” translates to “way of harmony”,...
read moreWhat is a Karate Kata?
For karate students, performing katas, a set of formalized body movements that are conducted in a sequential motion, is a regular part of their routine. For those who aren’t too familiarized with studying martial arts, the following information will help you to better understand one of the key fundamentals of karate – the kata. The Japanese word “kata” can translate to “mold”, “style”, “model”, or “shape” in English; all words that can be used to define the purpose of katas. This sequence of movements is designed to...
read moreThe Importance of Properly Stretching Out Before Working Out
Stretching is an important aspect of most sports and strenuous physical activities. Typically, a specific muscle group is targeted during each stretching maneuver with the aim of improving elasticity and muscle tone. When properly “stretched out”, one will feel increased flexibility, muscle control, and a wider range of motion. Most people stretch as an instinctive activity, such as during a yawn, to release tension in the neck, or to help relieve aching muscles. A common practice is to have a stretch after waking up in the morning or...
read moreMarch ’12 Newsletter
Announcing: (ALL DAY) SPRING CAMP (March 12-16) (Karate, Gymnastics, Swim, Break Dancing, Movies, Games) Our campers will enjoy karate, gymnastics, swimming, and break dancing. Must be at least 4 years old to participate. Full-day campers will need to bring a lunch and drinks. Spring camp will be from 9:00 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Extended camp hours are optional and they will be from 8:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-6:00 p.m. Campers will receive class credits. All those who have enough classes will test for a new belt at the end of camp. Cost for full day...
read moreThe Four Main Types of Punches – Jab, Cross, Hook & Uppercut
If you’ve been practicing martial arts for a while, you’ve certainly learned the basic punches – the jab, the cross, the hook, and the uppercut, and most likely an array of other strikes to go along with them. If you are inexperienced or new to martial arts, the following will inform you on the four main types of punches typically exercised in karate, kick-boxing, western-style boxing, taekwondo, American kenpo, etc. 4 Basic Punches: 1. The Jab This punch can be thrown from several different positions, traditionally it is a straight...
read moreKarate Roundhouse Kick, AKA Turning Kick and Power Angle Kick
As one of the three fundamental karate kicks, the roundhouse kick, also referred to as a turning kick or power kick, involves swinging the leg around in a semicircular motion; unlike the two other types of kicks – front kick and side kick. Many different disciplines of martial arts utilize this kick, which can be thrown with either the front or back leg and executed by striking with the foot or lower shinbone. Additionally, and as with many other karate kicks, the roundhouse kick can be thrown in a variety of ways, including by changing...
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