THE KARATE ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA

The Karate Manitoba membership is approaching six hundred with members in all of the seven Regional Sport zones in Manitoba. We are especially encouraged with the growth in junior membership, and the development of karate in rural Manitoba

Karate Manitoba as a member of Sport Manitoba acts as a provincial sport governing body for Karate in Manitoba. As well, Karate Manitoba is a member of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF).

Through the affiliation with the Coaches Association of Canada, Karate Manitoba stands firm in the overall development of Traditional Karate in Manitoba.

THE SPORT

The word Karate means 'empty hand'. The practitioner of Karate - or karateka - means to develop powerful and speedy punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes. Karate is self defense without weapons or with the empty hand.

The word empty also carries the connotation from Zen philosophy to 'render oneself empty'. That is, to achieve a psychological state of awareness without unnecessary emotion. The karateka must operate like a mirror that reflects everything evenly. Through development of physical techniques and the psychological perception the karateka learns to defend against a surprise attack. The process of karate training also builds character.

In the Japanese language, contests in the martial arts are called 'shiai' (she-i). Literally this means to 'test each other' or 'mutual try out'. It differs significantly in meaning from the idea of competition applicable to sports in general. Shiai means to test ones' personal level of attainment through the use of mutual engagement.

Two kinds of contest form the tournament competition. Kumite or free sparring and Kata or the formal exercises of Karate. These introduce the viewer to additional aspects of Karate and the Martial Arts.

Victory itself is not the ultimate objective of a Karate contest. A contest is but one of many methods of Karate training.

THE AFFILIATE CLUBS - RURAL MANITOBA