Training

Karatedo is a rich, complex art that can be pursued for a lifetime. What follows is a simplified summary of training at the UGA Budokai, intended to help club members set realistic expectations and measure their progress.

What Can I Expect?

Practice sessions begin promptly at the scheduled time and usually run about 90 minutes. After the formal opening of practice, an instructor leads the group through a series of warm-up exercises. If the group includes both new and experienced participants, the class usually splits into groups, each led by an instructor, to practice basic movements, partner exercises, and kata (see below). Equipment used may included mitts, pads, shields, and bags; experienced students may also train with kobudo weapons such as bo, sai, and tonfa. The pace of training is rapid. Multiple sets of exercises are followed by brief intervals of rest during which the instructor may ask for and answer questions; otherwise there is little talking during the session. The groups are reunited for the formal closing of practice, and training is over until the next meeting.

Where Do I Begin?

Whether you are a multi-sport athlete or a couch potato, karatedo training begins with the practice of basic movement patterns, with an emphasis on improving stability, mobility, and symmetry. Karatedo differs from many physical activities in engaging the full range of movement of the human body in a balanced, dynamic way. This provides excellent wellness and fitness benefits, but it also calls for patience and perseverence.

For new students, dojo training with the Budokai is usually limited to two 90-minute sessions per week. During these sessions, your instructors will help you assess your basic movement patterns and fitness level and give you advice that you can apply outside the dojo. Whether you are already active or are trying to establish better fitness habits, you will find that your progress in karatedo is enhanced by a sensible diet, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise outside the dojo.

Regardless of your fitness level or prior experience, traditional karatedo training can be humbling. It's natural to struggle with fatigue and frustration. Try to check your ego at the door of the dojo. Keep an open mind and encourage yourself and your fellow students to train hard. Approached in this spirit, karatedo can be deeply rewarding, whether pursued for a short time or for decades.

What Will I Learn?

After a few months of training, most students will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

What Are Kihon Waza?

Kihon waza are basic techniques, including methods of standing and moving (tachi waza), punching (tsuki waza), striking (uchi waza), kicking (geri waza), defense (uke waza), grappling (kansetsu waza), and throwing and falling (nage waza, ukemi waza).

Like all complex motor skills, karatedo techniques are best learned through constant repetition and careful coaching. A key goal is to be able to execute any technique spontaneously in any direction. Kihon waza training develops spatial awareness, coordination, and the ability to move in a fluid, balanced way while maintaining the body alignment needed to defend and counterattack with power and accuracy.

Kihon waza are essential to the effective use of karatedo for self-defense. Budokai training involves constant practice of kihon waza, both individually and with partners.

What Are Kata?

Kata are the essence of traditional karatedo. These sequences of prearranged attacks and defenses have sometimes been compared to dance because of their dynamism and grace. It is more accurate to describe kata as "textbooks" of karatedo. Many kata are known to be almost 200 years old, and some are believed to be much older. They date from the period of Okinawan history when karate training was conducted in secret, without written records. To transmit their knowledge of combat techniques, the old masters created kata encoding the skills, knowledge, and mental states necessary for effective application of karate.

Budokai students learn and practice kata constantly. Achievement of kyu and dan rankings depends on learning kata and performing them correctly.

Bunkai, or interpretations of kata, are exercises in which kata movements are analyzed and applied with training partners. This two-person practice is essential to understanding the combative applications of kata.

What Is Kumite?

Kumite, or sparring, is an essential aspect of karatedo training, providing a laboratory setting in which the functional value of techniques can be tested and refined. Kumite training also develops spirit, humility, and courtesy.

Kumite training ranges from simple two-person drills, to interpretation of complex kata movements, to jiyu kumite (free sparring). Ordinarily no protective equipment is used in the Budokai. To preserve the realism of techniques without excessive risk of injury, punches, kicks, and strikes are focused short of actual contact. In addition to non-contact (tsundome) kumite, advanced students also practice bogu kumite, using body armor, headgear, and hand protectors for contact sparring. In all forms of kumite, mutual respect and safety are mandatory.

While many members compete in tournaments (shiai), kumite training in the Budokai does not emphasize preparation for competition. Tournament sparring is an exciting and rewarding experience, and if you have an interest in competing, you should discuss it with your instructors so that they help you plan your training. However, it's important to keep in mind that safety and scoring requirements necessarily limit the realism of tournament competition; the skills needed for tournament success sometimes run counter to practical tactics of personal protection. Too much emphasis on competion can actually interfere with functional self-defense and other skills.

In traditional karatedo, the purpose of kumite is to help students acquire the skills and maturity needed to overcome aggression and violence in real life. Ultimately, the physical challenges of karatedo training should instill a deeper sense of compassion and commitment to the protection of others.

What Is Kobudo?

Kobudo is the use of traditional Okinawan weapons such as the bo, sai, and tonfa. Students must acquire good basic karatedo skills before they can benefit from kobudo training. Like the empty-hand art, kobudo training teaches basic techniques, kata, and two-person drills.

Kobudo arts strengthen the connection of the empty-hand art to older warrior traditions. Training with weapons teaches the management of various fighting distances and the generation of power through relaxation and speed. Partner training with weapons improves attention, decisiveness, and fighting spirit.

The opportunity to study and practice kobudo is one of the most unusual and rewarding aspects of Budokai membership.

The Budokai is a Recreational Sports club of the University of Georgia. Content contained on this web site may not reflect the views or opinions of the University of Georgia or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Contents copyright © 2025 by Brad Cahoon. All rights reserved.