Karate can be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects:
kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters: kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means "empty hand."

Karate is fun! You can play ball at the end.

My teacher is called Sensei Richard.

On the 12th of February 2011, I passed my first grading and got my red belt. It was quite hard because you had to do everything so quickly.

Today is the 9th of March 2011, I have now taken and passed my yellow belt grading. I had to do my first Kata in front of Assistant chief instructor Shihan David Jacobs 6th Dan. There was more to remember this time but I was more confident once the grading started.

I got my orange stripe belt today (14th August 2011). It was in a different Dojo this time and was very noisy because there was a big echo. I had to do a jumping kick, blocks, punches and chops. I was glad that I had a lesson before the grade because my club finished for the Summer holiday a few weeks ago.

Lets move on to the grading! It was separated into two Dojo's. One was the training area the second was for the grading, where Assistant chief instructor Shihan David Jacobs 6th Dan hopefully says you've passed. If you are lucky and you do karate you will have a special booklet. The next time you look at it turn to page 3, you will see where it says pass that if you score 1st. it's a high standard and you get a free belt. A 2nd. means good standard, a 3rd. is a low standard so you must try harder to achieve your next belt. You can fail if you are unlucky or don't work hard enough. I hope my tips help you!