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Your support makes all the difference.Half an hour into my first karate lesson, and I'm shattered. I haven't even thrown a single punch. I've been performing press-ups, sit-ups and shuttle runs before completing a set of stretches that have left me exhausted. Finally, the warm-up is over, and the class separates into two main groups.
The Docklands Karate Club teaches Kyokushinkai ("ultimate truth" or "reality association") and knockdown karate. This particular style provides a realistic fighting scenario within a controlled environment, with no direct face punches permitted, nor kicks to the groin or joints. The bouts are regulated by referees, who award points for accurate hits and ensure competitors stick to the rules.
The club is run by husband-and-wife team Nick and Maria Da Costa. Nick is the premier instructor. Tonight, he takes control of the least experienced group, which includes a mixture of "red belts", "white belts" and me. Without a belt of any description or a karate "gi" (the traditional white suit), I feel a little self-conscious, but, as the lesson starts, everyone focuses on the "sensei" or teacher.
After learning how to make a proper fist, we practise a basic punch, extending one arm while the other is drawn back into the waist. The lesson is very technical; the chest should remain square on; the punching arm must not be fully extended, so the joint is not strained; and the punching fist must rotate 180, but not until the elbow passes the waist.
"Attention to detail, patience and perseverance are needed to be a successful teacher," says Nick. "Learning a technique yourself is one thing, but analysing and explaining that technique to someone else takes a different kind of skill."
Nick is no slouch in the karate-skills department. He is a fourth-dan former European, British and Commonwealth Knockdown Karate Champion, a qualified Level II NVQ assessor, and the Women's National Coach in British Karate Kyokushinkai.
"I always wanted to try a contact sport," he says. "I tried judo, but it didn't have the realism of the streets.
"You can do karate for the physical exercise, the fighting or the philosophical side - I do it for the whole package.
"You need to be strong mentally. Many people don't expect to be hit, and they don't expect to hit someone else.
"We teach them how to channel their aggression. The most talented aren't always the ones who succeed, because you need perseverance."
We are taught a basic punch, a knee kick and how to block an overhead attack. These movements are then rehearsed over and over again as sensei counts off the repetitions in Japanese.
After the session, the groups rejoin. Sensei calls out the manoeuvres in Japanese: a low kick, followed by a kick to the head and a punch to the chest. One student carries out the sequence while another stands opposite, performing blocking manoeuvres.
Moving down the line, I perform different sequences with "brown belts" and "red belts". They carry out the manoeuvres at impressive speeds, but each movement is controlled; the attacks are intended to improve speed and technique rather than to make real contact.
After this session the real sparring takes place. I watch from a safe distance.
"You need dedication and self-discipline to progress to a higher level," says Maria. "I would recommend karate for women, whether for relaxation, confidence or self-defence."
Maria has been practising karate for 17-years. She is currently a third- dan British and Spanish Open Knockdown Champion and World Bronze Medallist - she is also the mother of two young children.
"I juggle the two roles with a lot of support from my family. It's great having a husband who understands why I have to go running at 6am; and if I feel tired and don't want to get up, he'll kick me out of bed."
Nick believes karate benefits individuals of all ages and abilities. "If you want a sport to keep fit and challenge you mentally, then go for karate. It has a self-defence application in the real world, and along with that comes confidence.
"We get a lot of kids and adults who are shy, but after a period of training, you see an increase in confidence. Karate offers the full package."
For more information, contact the English Karate Governing Body (01225 834008)
THREE PLACES TO PACK A PUNCH
Docklands Karate Club
St Luke's Hall, Havannah Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 (0181- 491 9470) Mon & Wed 7pm-9.30pm; Sessions: pounds 2.50 juniors/pounds 4 seniors; membership and fight insurance: pounds 12 juniors/pounds 24 seniors.
Apollo Martial Arts
Unit 17, Premier Estate, The Leys, Brockmoor Brierley Hill, Birmingham BY5 (01384 483 628) Permanent martial-arts centre, with qualified instructors for karate, kick-boxing, self-defence & kung fu. Sessions: pounds 4 members/pounds 6 non-members; membership: pounds 40 (includes free uniform).
Bohunt Community School
Longmore Rd, Liphook, Hants GU30 (01428 724 324)
Tue 6.30pm. Specialise in karate training for juniors, but also provide tuition for adults.
Sessions: pounds 2.50 children/pounds 3.50 adults.
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