History of Karate

During today's class, students were asked to take a quiz on the general history of Karate.  Where did it originate?  Who were a couple of the key players?  What are some of the key characteristics of it?

Even though this is a beginner course in karate, I want my students to develop a sense of appreciation for this art and to hopefully understand its origins, and how the techniques were developed and how the early pioneers lived their life.  Yes, the martial arts is all about learning how to defend yourself on the street if you are being assaulted, however, it is really more than that.  To the serious practitioner, karate is a way of life!  Principles such as perseverance, courage, discipline, honor, integrity and respect; these are the character traits of a true black belt.  This is what I hope the students think of as they are taking their quiz.


Once the quiz was completed and turned in, a handful of students stayed after with me and asked some "what if" scenarios.  The first question was a good one, from one of my students who worked as a bouncer at a local bar in 5 Points.  He has worked there for several years now.  For those of you that might not be familiar with 5 Points, it is a popular spot located in downtown Columbia, with lots of bars and restaurants.  Its a local hangout for drinking and to get rowdy.



My student mentioned that it was very common to get 2-3 fights a night in their bar.  They instituted many changes to their rules, including dress policy, use of profanity, etc. and now they rarely have any more fights.

His question is he wanted to know what to do if you were trying to hold on to one patron and not get hit or jumped on by one of his friends.  Apparently, once a "fight" is occurring, the bouncers are instructed to "choke out" the unruly patron until unconsciouss.

I find it odd that they have this rule in place.  Truthfully, I am not sure it is even legal, but from a self defense perspective, they are attempting to choke someone out anywhere from 3-8 seconds, depending on the patron, which leaves them susceptible to other friends or attackers.

If they insist on choking, then the patron needs to be turned around, so that his or her body, is between the bouncer and the other potential attackers.  You never want to leave your back exposed, as you are inviting someone to hit you on the head from behind and it would be all over for you.  Use that patron as a shield and if the patron has been choked out, you can place them on the floor and prepare for the next attacker if there is one.