Not only is Karate a great activity that keeps students physically active, but it also instills a sense of achievement as you work your way up through the coloured belts and on to black belt. Even if you have no previous experience in Karate, it is a great physical activity for children and adults from age 5 upwards. Our Chief Instructor, Sensei Andy Sherry 9thDan, has been training for over 60 years and, at 76 years old in 2019, is still as passionate and able as he was many years ago.
- Total body workout: Karate is a high-aerobic workout that uses every muscle group in the body. Stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and strength will all improve through Karate.
- Healthy lifestyle: Due to the total-body nature of a Karate workout, hundreds of calories are burned during every session.
- Self-confidence: The greatest benefit usually reported by Karate students is greater self-confidence, especially in youngsters and those on the spectrum. Students become more comfortable in all situations.
- Improved cardiovascular health: The only real way to improve the status of the cardiovascular system is by participating in activities that stress the heart, such as Karate.
- Weight loss: A one hour session of moderate intensity Karate can burn up to many hundreds of calories.
- Improved reflexes: By participating in Karate, you not only improve your reflexes while performing the activity, but actually experience faster reaction times during all activities of your life. This is very important in a number of daily activities, such as driving.
- Teaches great morals and values: Karate wisdom has it that after consistent practice, one becomes less impulsive and aggressive towards others.
- Muscle tone: Regular Karate practice can greatly improve the amount of muscle mass you have in your body. The higher your muscle mass, the higher your metabolic demands will be, and subsequently the more calories you will burn each day, thereby helping prevent obesity and promote weight loss. High levels of muscle mass also lead to increased agility, thereby preventing falls as you age.
- Better mood: Researchers have found that participating in a regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Performing Karate is not only a good way to relieve stress and frustration, but may actually help to make you happier. The endorphins released by physical activity appear to be active in your body for as many as four hours after exercise.