You get more than just your average martial arts class with Karate Community.
The new year started off with a healthy dose of vitamin sea, with local karate students attending a special beach karate training session: the theme of the day – throws.
Twenty-two students of all ages and experience levels gathered in karate uniforms at Peregian’s main beach where they were watched by family, friends and passersby.
It was a beautiful January Saturday, with the sun and fine weather warmly welcoming the group.
To avoid the day’s strong UV rays and peak temperature, the event took place in the early morning. While scattered showers were predicted, they were hardly a concern for the group who were already well prepared to get wet.
Karate Community’s business manager, Stephanie, chose this location because of its centralised location to students living around Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, the area’s beautiful scenery, convenient amenities and importantly, the watchful protection of our cape-less heroes, the surf life saving volunteers.
The program began on the shaded grassed parklands with a lesson plan that was going to sweep participants off their feet.
Misunderstood by many, karate is a holistic fighting system.
Stereotyped simply as a striking art, authentic karate in fact includes limb and joint manipulation, immobilisation and submission tactics, cardiovascular/respiratory constriction and take-downs. They call this the “five methods of unarmed combat – Tai-jutsu Gogi”.
Once students had prepared themselves for the rigours of the sessions, it was time to move onto the next phase – SURF-ival of the fittest.
The group was guided to the water where, while still in full karate-gi, were demonstrated how to safely execute the throws.
The beauty of training at the beach is that the water acts as a natural safety buffer for their throws, acting as an aquatic mat for participants to land on. It’s really quite fun, grabbing your friend, waiting for a wave and then, splash.
Students performed an awesome shoulder throw and dunked your opponent in one fell swoop.
The hour-long seminar was over too soon, as time was washed away by intense enjoyment.
The program was such a hit, local Peregian mother of two karate boys, Antoinette, was eager to see this program run every week. This was a sentiment shared by many involved.
Once the official training session was over, everyone enjoyed a relaxing social swim between the flags and a fresh fruit morning tea.
“At Karate Community, we love training outdoors,“ Stephanie said.
“Nature energises and invigorates us, it grounds and connects us. Training on the beach with the sand between our toes and the salty water’s cooling embrace, out in the fresh air and sunshine – it is what helps us maintain great mental and physical wellness.“
Karate Community looks forward to hosting many more events like this including mountain training and river training.
If you want to find out more about programs offered by Karate Community, you can contact them at hello@karatecommunity.com
“We leave you with our beach training philosophy: ’CARP-e diem – SEAS the day’.“
